Peak Expiratory Flow Rate Measurement | Lung Function Assessment
Measuring Peak Expiratory Flow Rate FAQ
What is a peak expiratory flow measurement?
The measurement is also called the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) or the peak expiratory flow (PEF). Peak flow measurement is mostly done by people who have asthma. Peak flow measurement can show the amount and rate of air that can be forcefully breathed out of the lungs. The measurement should be started after a full lung inhalation.
What is peak flow measurement?
Peak flow measurement is a quick test to measure air flowing out of the lungs. The measurement is also called the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) or the peak expiratory flow (PEF). Peak flow measurement is mostly done by people who have asthma.
What is a peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) test?
The peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) test measures how fast a person can exhale. The PEFR test is also called peak flow. This test is commonly performed at home with a handheld device called a peak flow monitor. For the PEFR test to be useful, you must keep continuous records of your flow rate.
How can respiratory therapy and nursing use peak flow measurements?
Respiratory therapy and nursing can easily obtain and report serial peak flow measurements throughout the hospital course to guide disposition decisions as well. Of note, it is a common challenge in the inpatient setting that patients will not know their personal best.
Do peak expiratory flow rates decrease over time?
In this situation, published tables of normal peak expiratory flow rates for height and weight are available. It has been noted that peak flow rates in individual patients tend to decrease over time, likely from waning skill and effort. This observation highlights the need for ongoing retraining of techniques, even after the initial clinic visit.
How is PEFR measured?
PEFR monitoring can be accurately performed by most patients older than 5 years. It is most commonly measured by a portable flow gauge device (peak flow meter [PFM]) but may also be obtained by a transducer that converts flow to electric output during spirometry (pneumotachometer). [ 3]
How do you measure a peak flow meter?
The indicator on the peak flow meter (PFM) is moved to the lowest end of the numbered scale. (See the image below.) For some devices, this requires vigorous shaking. If the device has a separate mouthpiece, it must now be attached. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) measurement. Start with meter indicator at lowest level.
Measuring Peak Expiratory Flow Rate References
If you want to know more about Measuring Peak Expiratory Flow Rate, consider exploring links below:
What Is Measuring Peak Expiratory Flow Rate
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/peak-flow-test/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459325/
- https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/symptoms-tests-treatments/tests/peak-flow
- https://geekymedics.com/peak-expiratory-flow-rate-pefr/
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/peak-flow-measurement
- https://www.healthline.com/health/peak-expiratory-flow-rate
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peak_expiratory_flow
- https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1413347-overview
- https://www.osmosis.org/learn/Respiratory:_Measuring_peak_expiratory_flow_rate
Measuring Peak Expiratory Flow Rate Information
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