Welch Allyn CP 150 spirometry option - User Manual - Manual (Page 31)

Preparing the patient
To prepare patients for any spirometry test, explain the entire procedure for the type of
effort you want them to perform. Remind patients that the test is painless. Demonstrate
at least one effort for the patient. The accuracy of a spirometry test is highly dependent
on the patient's understanding and cooperation. So, be prepared to coach and encourage
the patient with your “body language” and your words — for example, ”Blow, blow,
blow, keep blowing until you can't blow any more out” — to ensure a good effort with
reproducible results.
Instruct patients to do the following:
•
Loosen any tight articles of clothing that might constrict lung function, for example, a
tight belt, tie, vest, bra, girdle, or corset.
• Remove any foreign objects from the mouth, including loose dentures.
Note Use of a nose clip is optional. Patients may also pinch their nose.
• Place your lips and teeth around a new transducer, sealing your lips tightly around
the transducer. Grip slightly with your teeth in the groove. If you need to hold the
flow transducer in your hand, keep fingers away from the screen on the back.
Blocking even part of this screen creates back-pressure, which makes the percent
prediction value very high (as much as 200% or 300%), and we will need to discard
the data.
• Avoid bending forward as you blow. This also creates back-pressure.
• Keep your tongue away from the flow transducer to avoid blocking it.
• Keep your chin up so as not to restrict the airway.
WARNING Patients may become faint, light-headed, dizzy, or short of
breath during spirometry testing. Watch patients closely. If they choose to
stand during testing, keep a chair immediately behind them. If there is any
reason for concern, stop the test and take proper action.
WARNING Patients should not bite on the flow transducer. Biting could
result in sharp edges, which could injure the mouth.
Note The performance of the spirometer can be affected by the patient spitting
or coughing into the spirometer during expiration or by extremes of
temperature, humidity and altitude.
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