How to use the Voldyne 5000 Spirometer

Table of contents:

How to use the Voldyne 5000 Spirometer
How to use the Voldyne 5000 Spirometer
Anonim

The Voldyne 5000 is a popular spirometer capable of encouraging breathing. The device is able to open the pulmonary alveoli after undergoing surgery, to allow deep breathing and to keep the airways clean. Proper use can speed up the time to complete recovery, reducing the risk of developing pneumonia or other breathing problems.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Set Up the Device

Use Voldyne 5000 Step 1
Use Voldyne 5000 Step 1

Step 1. Check your goals

When using the Voldyne 5000 with the assistance of a doctor, nurse or respiratory physiotherapist, it is normal for these professionals to set a goal.

  • The Voldyne 5000 is a device that operates with variable air volumes between 250 and 2500 ml, so your goal should be within this range. These values indicate the volume of air that the lungs are able to inhale.
  • It is usually best to start the procedure by setting a volumetric target, but you can postpone the first use. After that, however, you should use the results of each application to adjust the goal for the next ones.
Use Voldyne 5000 Step 2
Use Voldyne 5000 Step 2

Step 2. Set the indicator

Look for the yellow marker next to the large graduated column. Move it up or down until it is positioned on the volume measure that makes up your target.

If you do not yet have a goal on the first application, it is not necessary to set the indicator, but you will have to do it for subsequent ones

Use Voldyne 5000 Step 3
Use Voldyne 5000 Step 3

Step 3. Sit upright

Move to the edge of the bed or sit in a chair and stand straight. You can lean forward slightly if you want, but you shouldn't lean down or let go.

  • You shouldn't even tilt your head back.
  • Sit down as far away from the edge of the bed as possible if you can't move there. When using an adjustable hospital bed, you can raise the head of the bed with the appropriate controls to help you sit up.
Use Voldyne 5000 Step 4
Use Voldyne 5000 Step 4

Step 4. Hold the Voldyne 5000 upright

All labels must face up.

  • Keep the spirometer as balanced as possible so that the procedure works correctly and all readings are accurate.
  • You should have a clear view of the marker, the target plunger, and the main plunger. Note that the target plunger is the yellow cylinder located under the "Good, Better, Best" label on the side of the spirometer and the main plunger is the large white disc at the bottom of the large cylinder.

Part 2 of 3: Using the Voldyne 5000

Use Voldyne 5000 Step 5
Use Voldyne 5000 Step 5

Step 1. Exhale

Breathe naturally, expelling all the air you can from your lungs.

  • Breathe out through your mouth instead of your nose to expel more air at a faster rate.
  • A full exhale is important. If you only partially empty your lungs, you won't be able to breathe as deeply as you could, making it more difficult to reach your goal or get accurate measurements.
Use Voldyne 5000 Step 6
Use Voldyne 5000 Step 6

Step 2. Put the mouthpiece in your mouth

Press your lips firmly to create an airtight seal.

  • You should move and position your tongue in order to avoid blocking the passage of air.
  • Create and maintain an airtight seal with your lips. Otherwise, part of the air you inhale will be expelled from the spirometer and the resulting measurement will be lower than it should be.
Use Voldyne 5000 Step 7
Use Voldyne 5000 Step 7

Step 3. Inhale slowly

Take a deep, slow breath. Continue to inhale until you reach the set goal or until you can no longer inhale.

  • If you are squeezing your lips in the correct way described above, the aspiration of the air should give the sensation of drinking a thick liquid with a small straw.
  • Watch the target plunger move between "Good", "Better" and "Best". This indicator measures the speed of inhalation and a lower speed allows a better reading. Try to keep it between "Better" and "Best". Breathing in slowly gives the lung alveoli more time to swell and will make it easier to take a deeper breath.
  • Also look at the main piston. Try to make him reach the goal set with the yellow indicator. You can make it rise higher, but without trying to force yourself.
Use Voldyne 5000 Step 8
Use Voldyne 5000 Step 8

Step 4. Hold your breath for 3-5 seconds

Once you are done inhaling, pause and hold your breath for at least 3 seconds.

Watch the main piston as you hold your breath. It should gradually lower until it returns completely down or to the "zero" position. Once it is back in the starting position, you can proceed to the next step

Use Voldyne 5000 Step 9
Use Voldyne 5000 Step 9

Step 5. Breathe out normally

Remove the mouthpiece from your mouth and exhale at a smooth, relaxed pace.

  • As before, it attempts to expel all the air from the lungs.
  • If you feel short of breath or if your lungs are fatigued for any reason, take a few normal breaths before continuing to the next step. You should, however, complete with an exhalation before proceeding.
Use Voldyne 5000 Step 10
Use Voldyne 5000 Step 10

Step 6. Reset the indicator

Unless you have received any other instruction from the nurse or physical therapist, you should move the plastic marker to the highest value you reached during the procedure.

This allows you to adjust the goal taking into account the current capacity of your lungs. When you repeat the exercise, consider this value as your new goal

Use Voldyne 5000 Step 11
Use Voldyne 5000 Step 11

Step 7. Repeat following the instructions

Repeat the procedure respecting the instructions of those who assist you. Typically, it is necessary to repeat the procedure 10 to 15 times during each session.

  • If the nurse or physiotherapist has not established a certain number of applications, try to do at least 10 per session. You can do even more, but stop if you feel lightheaded, dizzy, or feel too tired to continue.
  • Do not try to speed up during the process. Practice gradually and breathe normally before repeating. If you feel dizzy or dizzy, take a longer break between one application and the next.
  • Adjust the yellow indicator each time you complete the procedure, but only do so if you have reached a higher value. Do not adjust to a lower position, unless your doctor, nurse or therapist has told you to do so.
Use Voldyne 5000 Step 12
Use Voldyne 5000 Step 12

Step 8. Cough

After completing the whole procedure, breathe deeply and cough two or three times.

  • Coughing should help clear mucus from the lungs by making breathing easier.
  • Press hard with a pillow or blanket against your chest if you have had chest or stomach surgery or if you feel pain while coughing. Applying pressure in this way at the point where you underwent the surgery should support the area and alleviate the pain.

Part 3 of 3: Continue Therapy

Use Voldyne 5000 Step 13
Use Voldyne 5000 Step 13

Step 1. Clean after each use

Thoroughly clean the mouthpiece with soap and water after using it. Rinse well and dry with a clean paper towel.

  • If you prefer, you can clean the mouthpiece with an antiseptic mouthwash instead of using soap and water.
  • When using soap and water, make sure to rinse thoroughly before using the spirometer again.
  • The standard mouthpiece of the Voldyne 5000 can be used repeatedly, so you can use it every time you use the device. If you switch to a disposable model, however, you don't have to use the same mouthpiece for more than 24 hours.
Use Voldyne 5000 Step 14
Use Voldyne 5000 Step 14

Step 2. Repeat the procedure throughout the day

You will need to use the device as described every one or two hours or as directed by the nurse, doctor or physiotherapist.

However, keep in mind that in most cases it is only necessary to follow this schedule during normal waking hours. The body needs adequate rest to recover, so waking up during the night to repeat the exercise is inappropriate

Use Voldyne 5000 Step 15
Use Voldyne 5000 Step 15

Step 3. Write down the results

While not strictly necessary, it is a good idea to keep records of the results. Report a line in the log for each time you use the Voldyne 5000.

  • For each recording, note the time of day, the number of applications you have done and the volume of air you managed to inhale.
  • The purpose of the recordings is to monitor the progress of the lungs and keep track of any increases or decreases in their functional capabilities.
  • Your caregivers should have a similar log, but keep yours to track progress yourself.
Use Voldyne 5000 Step 16
Use Voldyne 5000 Step 16

Step 4. Walk

When you are well enough to get out of bed and move, stroll between uses. As you walk, breathe deeply and cough two or three times.

Coughing while walking can clear your lungs deeper and make breathing even easier

Warnings

  • If you have any feeling of pain related to the lungs or the surgery scar, inform the staff who assist you. It will be harder to breathe well if you feel pain.
  • Tell your doctor, nurse or physiotherapist if you start to feel dizzy or lightheaded. Do not continue using the spirometer while you still feel this way.
  • When using the Voldyne 5000 at home, call 911 or seek emergency medical help if you experience unusual chest pain or if you can no longer catch your breath after the procedure.

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