Answer:
Darla should tell Ms. Robinson that spirometry is a simple test for figuring out how well the lungs work. During the test, the patient will be asked to take a deep breath and then blow as hard as they can into a mouthpiece connected to a spirometer. The spirometer will measure how much air the patient can blow out of their lungs and how fast they can do it.
Advice on medication: Darla should tell Ms. Robinson that she shouldn't use any bronchodilator inhalers, like albuterol, for four to six hours before the test.
Darla should tell Ms. Robinson when to expect her at the test and how long the test is likely to last.
Wear clothes that are comfortable. Darla should tell Ms. Robinson to wear clothes that are comfortable and won't make it hard for her to breathe.
Darla might have to reschedule Ms. Robinson's test if something goes wrong with her health. For example, if Ms. Robinson has recently had chest surgery, a heart attack, or a stroke, Darla may need to reschedule the test to avoid any possible health risks.
For Ms. Robinson's spirometry test to be successful, she must do at least three things that give acceptable and repeatable results. If Ms. Robinson can't do three maneuvers, Darla may have to reschedule the test to make sure the results are correct.
Major source:
- American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society. (2005). ATS/ERS statement on respiratory muscle testing. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 171(8), 866-878. doi: 10.1164/rccm.200401-044ST