A nurse is instructing a school-age child who has asthma about the use of a peak expiratory flow meter.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
A.
Maintain a semi-Fowler’s position during testing
B.
Place tongue on the mouthpiece of the meter
C.
Blow into the meter as hard and quickly as possible
D.
Record the average of the readings
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct instruction to include in the teaching is:
C. Blow into the meter as hard and quickly as possible
Explanation:
A peak expiratory flow meter (PEFM) is a device used to measure how well air moves out of the lungs, which is particularly important for managing asthma. Proper technique is crucial to obtaining accurate readings. Here’s why blowing into the meter as hard and quickly as possible is the correct instruction:
- Purpose of Peak Flow Measurement: The peak flow meter measures the maximum speed at which air can be forced out of the lungs. This is known as peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). The measurement reflects how open or constricted the airways are, which helps in assessing asthma control and adjusting medication.
- Blowing Hard and Quickly: To get an accurate reading, it’s essential that the child blows into the peak flow meter with maximal effort. This means they should take a deep breath and then blow out as forcefully and quickly as possible. This technique ensures that the meter captures the peak flow accurately, reflecting the best possible measurement of airflow from the lungs.
- Technique Details:
- Positioning: While maintaining a semi-Fowler’s position (sitting upright) can be helpful for overall lung function, it’s not the critical aspect of peak flow measurement. The key is to ensure the child is comfortable and able to breathe deeply.
- Tongue Placement: The tongue should not be on the mouthpiece. It’s important to keep the tongue away from the mouthpiece to avoid obstructing airflow, which would affect the reading.
- Recording Readings: Recording the average of several readings is not necessary for each individual test. Instead, the highest reading from three separate attempts should be recorded to get the best estimate of the peak flow. This is because individual attempts can vary due to effort or technique.
By instructing the child to blow into the meter as hard and quickly as possible, you ensure that the measurement is as accurate as possible, which is crucial for managing and adjusting asthma treatment effectively.