How Do I Perform A Peak Flow Measurment?
It is extremely important that peak flows be obtained in the same manner each time so that they can be compared. The meter itself should first be inspected to see that the scale indicator has been returned to zero. The patient should either sit or stand with good posture, inhale as deeply as possible (maximal inspiration) and then place the meter in the mouth with lips closed around it and exhale fully and forcefully (maximal expiration). A scale records the result. I suggest performing the maneuver three times and recording the best result.
Obtaining Your Personal Best Value
Once the patient has obtained and begun to use a peak flow meter it is helpful to record his or her “personal best effort.” This result can be used as a reference value to determine if the patient’s asthma is stable, improving, or deteriorating.
Tagged under:Asthma good posture maximal expiration peak flows peak flow meter personal best scale indicator stable