A patient’s peak expiratory flow is 65% of personal best. What action best reflects proper asthma management?

A patient’s peak expiratory flow is 65% of personal best. What action best reflects proper asthma management?

• A. This reading is good; continue usual activities
• B. Take daily long-term inhaler medication
• C. Administer the as-needed rescue inhaler
• D. Call 911 immediately

Answer: (C)

Peak expiratory flow tells you how open your airways are, and you often use zone guidelines to decide what to do. A reading of 65% of your personal best sits in the yellow zone (not normal, but not immediately life-threatening). In this zone, the correct move is to use the rescue inhaler (short-acting bronchodilator) to quickly relieve bronchospasm and improve airflow. After using it, check your flow again: if you rise back to 80% or higher and your symptoms improve, you can resume usual activities. If the reading stays low or symptoms persist, follow your asthma action plan, which may mean stepping up therapy or seeking medical guidance. Calling emergency services is reserved for red-zone situations (very low flow or severe symptoms not relieved by the rescue inhaler).

Peak expiratory flow tells you how open your airways are, and you often use zone guidelines to decide what to do. A reading of 65% of your personal best sits in the yellow zone (not normal, but not immediately life-threatening). In this zone, the correct move is to use the rescue inhaler (short-acting bronchodilator) to quickly relieve bronchospasm and improve airflow. After using it, check your flow again: if you rise back to 80% or higher and your symptoms improve, you can resume usual activities. If the reading stays low or symptoms persist, follow your asthma action plan, which may mean stepping up therapy or seeking medical guidance. Calling emergency services is reserved for red-zone situations (very low flow or severe symptoms not relieved by the rescue inhaler).