Understanding Peak Flow Meter for Asthma Management

Peak Flow Meter

• A handheld device used for measuring forceful exhalation from the lungs.
• Prescribed for monitoring moderate to severe asthma.
• Not used for COPD.
• Usage suitable for ages 5 and above, with guidance.
• Two daily readings recommended.
• Important for adjusting medication, observing symptoms, and identifying triggers.
• Not a sole determinant of asthma status; use in conjunction with other methods.
• Important values:
  • Predicted value: Theoretical values based on patient demographics.
  • Personal best value: Patient's maximum measured value, crucial for optimized management.
• Procedure:
  • Align mouthpiece with zero (lowest number) marker.
  • Take deep breath, close lips around mouthpiece.
  • Blow forcefully in one breath.
  • Repeat procedure twice more.
  • Record highest value as personal best.
  • Record symptoms and time of day for result analysis.
  • Disposal of used mouthpiece.
• Interpretation:
  • Compare results with personal best.
  • Three zones:
    • Green Zone (80-100%): Good control.
    • Yellow Zone (50-80%): May need additional treatment or adjustment.
    • Red Zone (<50%): Immediate action (medication) and consultation (e.g., emergency department).

6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)

• A low complexity test assessing functional exercise capacity, useful for monitoring changes in patients.
• Measures walking distance within 6 minutes.
• 20-meter walking distance is commonly used.
• Procedure:
  • Explain purpose and record pre-test vitals (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, symptoms, etc).
  • Patient positioned at start.
  • Patient walks at comfortable pace for 6 minutes.
  • Encouragement in a neutral tone.
  • Stop at the timer's signal or when 6 minutes are up.
  • Note resting time duration and number if patient rests.
  • Record post-test vitals (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, symptoms, etc.).
• Record: -Distance covered in meters. -Rest counts and time. -Use and need for assistive devices. -Patient and staff comments.
• Important Note: Observe and record symptoms, any discomfort, and the need for oxygen supplementation.

Balloon Lung Model

• A simplified model depicting the mechanics of respiration.
• Materials: 6-inch rubber tubing, 3 balloons, 2 rubber bands, modeling clay, clear plastic bottle, 3-way hose connector.
• Procedure:
  • Seal tubing into connector with modeling clay.
  • Attach two balloons and fix securely with bands to the rest of the hose connector.
  • Secure "lungs" to the bottle neck with clay.

Spirometry

• Measures air inhaled and exhaled, and assesses ease and speed of airflow.
• Used for pulmonary disease diagnosis.
• Two major disease categories identified:
  • Obstructive: Difficulty expelling all air; may be associated with wheezing or mucus production.
  • Restrictive: Difficulty inhaling sufficient amounts of air that may be caused by physical issues or weak muscles, or certain diseases.
• Crucial factors in interpreting results:
  • FVC (Forced Vital Capacity): Total exhaled volume after deep breath.
  • FEV₁ (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second): Volume forcefully exhaled in the first second.
  • FEV₁/FVC ratio: Indicates airway obstruction.
• Further measurements:
  • FEF25-75% (Maximum Mid-Expiratory Flow Rate): Average airflow during the middle 50% of FVC
  • MVV (Maximum Voluntary Ventilation): Measurement of deep and rapid breathing capacity.
• Equipment Used:
  • Mouthpiece
  • Nosepiece
  • Spirometer
  • Transducer
• Procedure and Considerations:
  • Procedure preparation and necessary conditions for the test.
  • Interpretation of results based on associated lung capacity values.

This quiz covers essential information about peak flow meters, a vital tool for monitoring asthma. Learn the procedure for using the device, the values associated with measurements, and the importance of daily readings. Understanding these concepts can help in managing asthma effectively.