Peak flow meter

Question 1

How should you start a peak flow examination?

Answer 1

• introduce self
• confirm name and DOB
• explain procedure
• gain consent
• wash hands

Question 2

How should you perform a peak flow reading?

Answer 2

• new mouth piece
• attach to meter
• zero the meter
• ask patient to stand
• instruct to take full inspiration
• instruct to form tight lip seal around mouthpiece
• instruct to blow hard
• instruct to keep meter horizontal
• checks understanding
• observe patients technique
• discards mouthpiece

Question 3

How do you interpret a peak flow reading?

Answer 3

• identify predicted value on graph
• identifies patient value and plot
• comment on reading

Question 4

What further tests would you perform on a patient?

Answer 4

• reversibility testing (salbutamol & repeat peak flow)

- spirometry (FEV1/FVC ratio)

Question 5

How do you end a peak flow examination?

Answer 5

• summarise results
• thank patient
• wash hands