Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

1. It is preferable for the patient to be standing for recording peak flow, because;

• It increases the vital capacity of the lungs
• It allows good air entry into the lungs
• It enhances the maximum inspiration volume
• It minimises the inspiratory volume

2. It is acceptable to record only one reading when;

• The patient is experiencing respiratory distress
• The patient is well controlled
• The patient has diurnal variation of readings
• To keep a record of the patients progress

3. The peak flow meter is held horizontally to;

• Increase the effect of gravity
• Decrease the effect of gravity
• Obtain an average reading
• Obtain the highest reading

4. The P.E.F.R. should be recorded at least twice daily;

• To ensure no variation of airway function during the day
• To ensure the patient remembers to record their peak flow
• To ensure optimum recording of peak flow rates
• To obtain a comparison in the variation of airway function during the day

5. How long after respiratory treatment, should the peak flow be recorded?

• 15 - 30 minutes
• 30 - 45 minutes
• Immediately
• 5 - 15 minutes

6. 'Standard' of predicted peak flow recordings depend on a number of factors, these are;

• Age, sex & build
• Fitness, age & height
• Fitness, sex & age
• Age, sex & height