How Do I Assess a Peak Flow Meter?
Peak flow meters are used to measure the power of a person's ability to exhale. Reading the device can let doctors and other know if a person is having difficulty breathing as well as measure the evolution of a person's asthma.
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Use
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To use a peak flow meter, make sure the marker is at the bottom of the tube. Then, take a deep breath and blow into the mouthpiece, making sure to keep your lips tightly around the mouthpiece to prevent air from escaping. Repeat this multiple times to get an average reading of your peak flow.
Readings
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When a person blows into the meter, the marker that begins at the bottom of the numbered scale on the tube moves upward. Where that marker stops is the peak flow for that person. Record this number to track changes in breathing ability.
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Assessment
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Everyone will have a different peak flow number. To assess a person's peak flow, keep a chart of their tests with the meter to see if the person is gaining or losing power in their exhalations. When a doctor gives you the meter, be sure to ask where the patient's numbers should average so you know if a flow meter's numbers are reporting a problem breathing.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit flow meter image by JASON WINTER from Fotolia.com
