Term
| What is the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) |
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Definition
greatest velocity attained during a forced expiration starting from fully inflated lungs |
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Term
| Is PEFR effort dependent? |
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Definition
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Term
| The purpose of peak expiratory flow |
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Definition
Identifies exacerbations early allowing patient to initiate treatment sooner
Peak flow may show changes before patient can feel the symptoms!
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Term
| What is essential to the peak flow meter? |
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Definition
Proper technique and best effort are essential. Less than best effort can lead to false "exacerbation" and unnecessary medication treatment |
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Term
| What does the Green zone mean on a peak flow meter? |
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Definition
80-100 % of personal best
Indicates "all clear" - good control
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Term
| What does the Yellow zone indicate on a peak flow meter? |
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Definition
50 - 80% of personal best
Indicates "caution" - indicative of worsening lung function
Patient-specific intervention required (action plan) - usually an increase in beta 2 agonist use and the addition or increase in other medications |
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Term
| What does the Red Zone of the peak flow meter indicate? |
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Definition
<50% of personal best
Indicates medical ALERT and patient needs to seek medical attention
Patient - specific intervention required (action plan) - usually patients increase use of beta 2 agonist, take steroids, and re sent to the ER
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Term
How to obtain one's personal best/predicted PEFR obtained by a peak flow meter?
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Definition
Use peak flow meter several times each day for 2-3 weeks
Take a reading b/w noon & 2:00pm each day
Write down each number you get and the highest number over this time period will be your personal best number
One's personal best can change over tiem so it is wise to obtain your personal best annually
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Term
| The technique for using the peak flow meter |
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Definition
Move the indicator to bottom of numbered scale. Stand up staright. Exhale comfortably
Inhale as deeply as you can. Place lips firmly around mouthpiece, creating a tigth seal
Blow out as hard and as fast as possible. Write down the PEFR
Repeat steps two more times. Record the highest value
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Term
| How should the peak flow meter be used to monitor for asthma? |
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Definition
Use every morning before you take medicine
Always use the same brand of peak flow meters
Peak flow meters should be cleaned once a week at least
Do not use brushes to clean inside the peak flow meters. Do not place peak flow meters in boiling water
Allow to air dry before taking next reading
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Term
| The purpose of spacer use with peak flow meters? |
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Definition
Greatly enhance the coordination necessary to administer inhaled medication from a MDI
Spacer devices help prevent thrust from inhaled corticosteroids and can reduce cough associated with some inhalers
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