Child Health - Respiratory - 35561

A nurse is teaching the parents of a child with asthma how to use a peak flow meter.

Which instruction should the nurse include to ensure an accurate reading?

Incorrect

Correct Answer(s): C

A. “Record the average of the three readings each time.”

[51%]

B. “Keep your tongue lightly pressed against the mouthpiece.”

[9%]

C. “Stand up straight and blow out as hard and fast as possible.”

[37%]

D. “Use the peak flow meter only when symptoms worsen.”

[3%]

Statistics

Difficulty level - Hard

37%of peers got it right

Time taken - 3 s

Subject/Lesson

• Subject

  Child Health

• Lesson

  Respiratory

Client Need

• Test Plan

  Physiological Adaptation

• Related Topic

  Illness Management

Item Type

• Item Type

  Application

Explanation

Choice C is correct. This instruction promotes optimal lung expansion and effective effort for measuring peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). A “fast, hard puff” is essential for accuracy.

Choice A is incorrect. The nurse should teach the parent to record the highest of the three readings, not the average.

Choice B is incorrect. The tongue should be kept away from the mouthpiece to avoid obstructing airflow.

Choice D is incorrect. The peak flow meter should be used daily at consistent times (e.g., morning and evening), not just when symptoms worsen, to monitor trends in airway function.

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Additional Info

Use of a Peak Expiratory Flow Meter

1. Before each use, make certain the sliding marker or arrow on the peak expiratory flow meter is at the bottom of the numbered scale.
2. Stand up straight.
3. Remove gum or food from your mouth.
4. Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece. Be certain to keep your tongue away from the mouthpiece.
5. Blow out as hard and as quickly as you can, a “fast, hard puff.”
6. Note the number by the marker on the numbered scale.
7. Repeat the entire routine 2 more times, but wait at least 30 seconds between each routine.
8. Record the highest of the three readings, not the average.
9. Measure your peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) close to the same time and same way each day (e.g., morning and evening; before and 15 minutes after taking medication).
10. Keep a record of your PEFRs.

(Hockenberry, 2023, p. 924)

Last Updated - 25 Aug 2025