AI Article Synopsis
- - Current guidelines recommend performing peak expiratory flow (PEF) measurements while standing, but it's sometimes done with patients in bed, particularly during asthma treatment in hospitals.
- - In a study involving 94 healthy adults, PEF was tested in three positions: standing, lying back at a 45° angle, and sitting slumped forward.
- - Results showed that PEF values were significantly higher in the standing position compared to the other positions, suggesting healthcare providers should prioritize PEF readings taken when patients are standing.
Article Abstract
Background: Current guidelines for the correct peak expiratory flow (PEF) maneuver include standing. In the hospital setting, PEF values are often ordered to assess response to asthma therapy for exacerbations. We have observed that the PEF is sometimes performed with the patient in bed.
Methods: Healthy adults performed the PEF maneuver in random order, standing, lying back at an ~45° angle on pillows, and sitting, slumped forward ~10° with legs extended. PEF was recorded for 3 attempts in each of the 3 positions.
Results: We enrolled 94 subjects (39 male, 55 female, mean age 24 y) in 2011. Mean PEF in the standing position (669 ± 42 L/min) was significantly higher than in the lying back (621 ± 42 L/min) (P < .001) and sitting (615 ± 42 L/min) positions in males (P < .001), and, similarly, in females, standing produced a significantly higher mean PEF (462 ± 42 L/min) than the lying back (422 ± 42 L/min) (P < .001) and sitting (447 ± 42 L/min) positions (P < .05).
Conclusions: Clinicians should ensure that PEF is obtained with patients out of bed and in the standing position.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.4187/respcare.01843 | DOI Listing |
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