procedures

procedures

1. SPIROMETRY

   • this measures the volume of the lungs
   • consent is asked of the patient

2. PEEK FLOW METER

   • first a clean mouthpiece is placed onto the peek flow meter. and the cursor is put to zero. then the patient seals their lips around the mouthpiece and breath in through their nose as much as possible. Then they blow hard and fast through the mouthpiece. this is done three times and the highest reading is recorded.

3. SPHYGMOMANOMETER

   • this measures blood pressure
   • First consent is taken from the patient and then the cuff is put on the upper arm on the brachial artery with the tube pointing down. Then the machine is turned on and the reading is recorded. the machine is then turned off before the cuff is removed.
   • can be done manually or electrically.

4. ECG

   • this procedure measures the heart and pressure in the heart in different stages of the cardiac cycle.
   • You will be asked to remove any jewelry or other objects that may interfere and clothing from the waist up. You will lie flat on a table or bed for the procedure. It will be important for you to lie still and not talk during the procedure, so as not to interfere with the tracing. If your chest, arms, or legs are very hairy, the technician may shave or clip small patches of HAIR, as needed, so that the electrodes will stick closely to the SKIN. Electrodes will be attached to your chest, arms, and legs. The lead wires will be attached to the SKIN electrodes. Once the leads are attached, the technician may key in identifying information about you into the machine's COMPUTER. The ECG will be started. It will take only a short time for the tracing to be completed.