How many readings should you take when you are measuring a patients peak expiratory flow rate?
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Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF), also called Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) is a person’s maximum speed of expiration, as measured with a peak flow meter like the unit available from Activ8rlives. This is a small, hand-held device used to monitor a person’s ability to breathe out air. It measures the airflow through the bronchi of the lungs and thus the degree of obstruction in the airways. Show
Peak flow readings are higher when we are well, and lower when the airways are constricted. From changes in recorded values, we may determine lung functionality, severity of asthma symptoms, and treatment options. Measurement of PEFR requires some practise to correctly use a meter and the normal expected value depends on a patient’s gender, age and height. It is classically reduced in obstructive lung disorders, such as Asthma, COPD or Cystic Fibrosis. Due to the wide range of ‘normal’ values and high degree of variability, peak flow is not the recommended test to identify respiratory disease. However, it can be useful in some circumstances to monitor the severity of it or efficacy of treatment. It is important to use the same peak flow meter every time to ensure consistency of the readings. The Normal value (Target value) for PEF varies according to gender, age and height. This chart can be used to read-off your Normal value. Enter this value in your “Target PEF.” data field. Peak flow readings are often classified into 3 zones of measurement according to the American Lung Association; green, yellow, and red. Doctors and health practitioners develop management plans based on the green-yellow-red zones. Green Zone: 80 to 100 percent of the usual or normal peak flow readings are clear. A peak flow reading in the green zone indicates that the lung function management is under good control. Yellow Zone: 50 to 79 percent of the usual or normal peak flow readings indicates caution. It may mean respiratory airways are narrowing and additional medication may be required. Red Zone: Less than 50 percent of the usual or normal peak flow readings. Indicates a medical emergency. Severe airway narrowing may be occurring and immediate action needs to be taken. This would usually involve contacting a doctor or hospital. If in doubt, contact your medical team for advice. Peak flow is a simple measurement of how quickly you can blow air out of your lungs. It's often used to help diagnose and monitor asthma. A peak flow test involves blowing as hard as you
can into a small handheld device called a peak flow meter. These are available on prescription or can be bought from most pharmacies. By measuring how fast you're able to breathe out, your peak flow score can indicate whether your airways are narrowed. This could be a sign that you have asthma, although other tests such as spirometry will often be needed to confirm the diagnosis. If you've already been diagnosed with asthma, measuring your peak flow regularly can be a useful way of monitoring your condition. Your score can show whether or not your condition is getting
worse. It can also check if your medication is working, and indicate whether you're having an asthma attack. Measuring your peak flow before and after exposure to a possible asthma trigger, such as something you're allergic to or a substance you're exposed to at work, may also show if anything in particular causes your symptoms. How to measure your peak flowThe first time your peak flow is measured, you'll be taught how to do it by a doctor or nurse. After this they may advise you to carry out the test regularly at home using your own peak flow meter. To measure your peak flow:
This should be repeated 3 times, and the highest of the 3 measurements should be recorded as your peak flow score. If you're monitoring your asthma at home, you may have a diary or chart to record your score. Download a peak flow diary (PDF only, 1.09MB) from the Asthma UK website Your peak flow scoreYour peak flow score – also known as your peak expiratory flow (PEF) – will be displayed on the side of your peak flow meter. This is given in litres of air breathed out per minute (l/min). What's considered a normal score depends on your age, height and sex. Ask your GP or asthma nurse for more information on what would be considered a normal score for you. To help diagnose asthma, your result can be compared to what would usually be expected for someone of your age, height and sex. A significant difference between your score and a normal score, or a difference in your scores in the morning and evening or when your symptoms are good and bad, may suggest you have asthma. If you're monitoring your asthma at home, your score should be compared to your best result at a point when your condition was well controlled. A big difference between your current and best score could be a sign that your condition is becoming poorly controlled or that you're having an asthma attack. What to do if your peak flow is lowIf you have a personal asthma action plan, it might say what you should do when your peak flow score falls to a certain level. You may just need to use one of your inhalers, or you may need to seek medical help. See treating asthma and what to do if you have an asthma attack for more information. Speak to your GP or asthma nurse if you've been diagnosed with asthma and don't have a personal action plan, or if you're concerned about your peak flow score and don't know what to do. You may be given a personal action plan at your appointment that you can fill in with your doctor or nurse, or you can: Download an asthma action plan from Asthma UK Your asthma action plan should be reviewed and updated at least once a year at your asthma review with a GP or asthma nurse. Take your plan with you to every asthma appointment – including any A&E or consultant visits – so that if there are any changes, your plan can be updated. Page last reviewed: 06 July 2022 How many readings should you take when you are measuring a patient's peak expiratory flow rate quizlet?How do you calculate the peak expiratory flow rate from the three readings? Add the readings and divide by 3. Which of the following initiates the heartbeat? The ECG tracing is showing somatic interference.
How do you record peak expiratory flow rate?These are:. Connect a clean mouthpiece.. Ensure the marker is set to zero.. Stand up or sit upright.. Take as deep a breath in as you can and hold it.. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and form as tight a seal as possible around it with your lips.. Breathe out as hard as you can.. Observe and record the reading.. How should a peak expiratory flow PEF be measured?You take the biggest breath in that you can. Then blow out as fast as you can, into a small, hand-held plastic tube called a peak flow meter. You don't need to empty the lungs completely – just a short, sharp blow, as if you're blowing out a candle. The measurement taken is called your peak flow.
What should my reading be on a peak flow meter?Green Zone: 80 to 100 percent of your usual or "normal" peak flow rate signals all clear. A reading in this zone means that your asthma is in good control. Keep using the medicines as directed. Yellow Zone: 50 to 80 percent of your usual or "normal" peak flow rate signals caution.
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