A physician orders positive expiratory pressure therapy for a 14-year-old child with cystic fibrosis. Which of the following responses should be monitored on this patient?
1) Peak flow or forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV₁) per forced vital capacity percentage
2) Patient's minute volume
3) Quantity and character of sputum
4) Breath sounds

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Positive expiratory pressure therapy in cystic fibrosis patients helps in clearing mucus from the lungs. Monitoring peak flow or FEV1/FVC percentage (1) can indicate changes in airway obstruction. The quantity and character of sputum (3) are directly related to the effectiveness of the therapy in mobilizing secretions. Breath sounds (4) can reveal improvements in airway clearance or the presence of complications. Minute volume (2) is less directly related to the immediate effects of this therapy.

A Physician Orders Positive Expiratory Pressure Therapy for a 14-Year-Old