Spirometry Analysis

Words: 1674
Pages: 7

Performing and Interpreting Quality Assured Spirometry Essay

This essay aims to critically analyses the management of a patient before and after spirometry. It will discuss the patents spirometry trace in detail. Processes and evidence that underpins spirometry testing in my area of work will also be discussed.
The author is currently employed in a busy 15000 patient GP practice consisting of 10 full time GPs, 3 practice nurses, 6 nurse practitioners and 4 health care assistants. The author currently sees a large proportion of patients who have a diagnosis of Copd and asthma for their annual chronic disease review, follow ups and spirometry testing. The author has been a nurse for over 20 years and has completed both the copd and asthma degrees
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Rose was sitting in a upright chair with arms attached, she performed a total of three relaxed blows with adequate rest time between, Rose was encouraged to take a full breath in through her mouth and fill her lungs than by placing a clip on her nose she was encouraged to breath out slowly and steady until all the air had been expelled from her lungs, the nurse used verbal encouragement to ensure she had completely emptied her lungs and she was observed throughout to ensure she had followed the instructions and was not leaking any air from around the mouth piece. It is important that spirometry is preformed to ARTP standards to ensure accurate results (BTS, ARTP 1994, Cooper 2010 Primary Care Commissioning …show more content…
Restrictive lung disease is thought to be caused by a condition causing stiffness in the lungs however it can also be caused by stiffness of the chest wall, weak muscles, or damaged nerves these conditions include: Interstitial lung disease, Sarcoidosis, Obesity, including Scoliosis or neuromuscular disease. Restricted lung disease results in decreased lung function, increased work of breathing and inadequate ventilation.
Restrictive lung disease is shown on a spirometry trace by a reduced FEV1 AND FVC and normal FEV1/FVC as evident in Roses trace where her FEV1 is 1.54, her predicted being 2.38 and range (1.76-2.38). Her FVC 1.94 predicted 2.80 and range (2.09-3.51). her FEV1/FVC was 79, her predicted being 79 and range (69-90).
Within my practice we have a protocol in practice that guides us to what to do next following spirometry, this ensures that all patients who have had a spirometry test get the appropriate follow up and treatment. In Roses case this means that she was referred to the respiratory consultant at the local hospital for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Once an accurate diagnosis has been made the aims of treatment for the disease is to prevent progression of disease and preserve lung function to improve patient’s ability of preform activities of daily