Peak flow + Spirometer B2 Flashcards
What do you use a peak flow meter for?
To measure maximum speed of expiration known as PEFR.
It measures the ability to breathe out air and monitor degree of obstruction in airways
What can peak expiratory flow be used to determine?
Lung functionality
Severity of conditions such as asthma and emphysema
How do you use a peak flow meter?
-Make sure sliding pointer is at 0 before use
-Hold the PFM by handle and stand up
-Remove food from mouth
-Take a deep breath and put mouthpiece in mouth
-Seal lips and blow out as hard and fast as you can.
-Note the number in the pointer. Reset to 0
-Repeat this 3 times. If you cough, repeat it
What does a higher than average peak flow reading indicate?
-Little narrowing of airways
-Good lung health
-High levels of exercise
What does a lower than average peak flow reading mean?
-Respiratory Airways may be narrowing (asthma)
-Airways may be inflamed (infection)
-Could show asthma may be getting worse
What is a spirometer?
A spirometer consists of a chamber filled with oxygen that floats on a tank of water. A disposable mouthpiece is connected to a tube. This is connected to the tanks and the patient breaths in and out
What happens when you breathe in when using a spirometer?
Removes oxygen from the chamber, so it moves down.
What happens when you breathe out into a spirometer?
Pushes carbon oxide in so the chamber moves up.
What does the momevemnt of the chamber in a spirometer cause?
When the chamber moves up and down it’s recorded using a data logger and produced a trace
What absorbs carbon dioxide in a spirometer and what happens to total gas vol?
Soda lime is used so the total volume of gas in the spirometer will gradually decrease
What is the volume of carbon dioxide breathed out equal to in the spirometer?
-The same as the volume of oxygen breathed in.
-This means that as the carbon dioxide is removed the total decrease equals the volume of oxygen used by the person.
What can the spirometer trace be used for?
To measure the volume of oxygen used in a certain time.
What does execerise do to tidal volume and why?
-Causes tidal volume to increase
-To meet the oxygen demands for respiring muscles so the increased carbon dioxide can be exhaled.
