Checklist
| Preparation | Wash – Name – Explain | |
| Position patient appropriately for procedure | ||
| Gather equipment | Wash hands | |
| Peak flow meter | ||
| Mouthpiece x2 | ||
| Peak flow measurement | Explain, then demonstrate to patient | |
| Attach mouthpiece to peak flow meter | ||
| Set value to zero | ||
| Inhale fully | ||
| Form a seal with lips around mouthpiece | ||
| Exhale as forcefully as possible | ||
| Read value | ||
| Reset value to zero | ||
| Remove used mouthpiece and attach new | ||
| Observe patient, correcting any mistakes | ||
| Patient performs three times | ||
| Record the best of the three values | ||
| Finishing | Wash hands | |
| Document peak flow value in patient notes |
Explanation
Preparation
Wash, name, explain:
- Wash your hands
- Introduce yourself by name and role
- Check the patient’s name and date of birth
- Explain the task and get consent
“Hello, I’m one of the doctors. I’ve been asked to measure your peak flow, which is a type of breathing test. This involves taking a deep breath in and then exhaling as fast as you can into a handheld device. You can stop at any time. Would that be okay?”
Position the patient appropriately for the procedure. For peak expiratory flow rate measurement, ensure that they are seated upright or standing. This ensures the patient is in the best position to inhale and exhale as much air as possible.
Gather Equipment
Gather the following equipment:
- Peak flow meter
- Mouthpiece – collect one for demonstrating the procedure and a clean one for the patient to use.
Peak Expiratory Flow Rate Measurement
Explain the procedure, then demonstrate it to the patient as follows.
Attach the mouthpiece to the peak flow meter and ensure that the value is set to zero. Inhale deeply through the mouth, taking in as much air as possible. Place the mouthpiece into the mouth, forming a tight seal with the lips.
Exhale as forcefully and completely as possible through the mouthpiece into the peak flow meter. Read the value on the meter and reset it to zero.
Replace the used mouthpiece with a new one. Ask the patient to perform the procedure once, correcting any errors in their technique.
Then, ask the patient to repeat the procedure three times and record the highest peak expiratory flow rate value of the three attempts.
Finishing
Ensure that the patient is feeling well. Wash your hands.
Document the peak expiratory flow rate reading in the patient’s notes.
Last updated Mar 2025
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