ATS Pulmonary Function Laboratory Manual

chapter  17

Equipment and Supplies 1. Treadmill 1.1. Electrically driven 1.2.

Speed range should allow for very slow walking (e.g., 0.5 or 1 mph)

1.3. 1.4.

Emergency stop button

Padded hand rails (front and sides)

2. Cycle ergometer 2.1.

Mechanical or electromagnetically braked Handlebars and seat that adjust to height

2.2.

3. Stair unit 3.1 Two, three, or four steps with railing on both sides. 4. Blood pressure (4) 4.1. Assorted cuff sizes 4.2. Calibrated analog pressure gauge 5. Nasal cannula or other O 2 delivery device with O 2

source (i.e., gas cylinder, liquid or wall O 2 )

6. Stop watch or timer 7. Borg dyspnea scale, or Visual analog dyspnea scale (Appendix 17.1) (5, 6) 8. Exercise form (to document results) 9. Appropriate standard precautions (SP) attire and gloves for the technician (7) 10. Pulse oximeter with a variety of appropriate probes (e.g., ear, finger, reflectance)

Patient Preparation (Pre-Test Instructions) Pre-Test Instructions • Patients will be instructed to wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for exercise. • The patient should be instructed to refrain from smoking and from inhaling second-hand smoke on the day of the test. • The patient should be instructed to refrain from eating a large meal for 1 hour prior to the test time. A light meal is acceptable • Patients with respiratory and/or cardiac disease are instructed to use all regular medications as ordered on the normal daily schedule Assessment of Patient 1. Assess each patient for physical and development status to determine ability to perform the diagnostic pro- cedure and if special arrangements are required. 1.1. If there is a language barrier, an interpreter will be used. 2. Ask each patient if he/she has complied with the pre-test instructions. The test may be postponed if the patient has not met the criteria. Contact the ordering physician or medical director to determine if resched- uling is necessary. 3. In order to properly interpret the test results, relevant clinical information (i.e., diagnosis and type of treat- ment) should be provided in writing, or electronically by the ordering physician.

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