The Voldyne 5000 is a very popular incentive spirometer. Its function is to open the air sacs of the lungs after surgery, making breathing easier and emptying these organs. If used correctly, the device can speed up the recovery period and reduce the risk of pneumonia and other respiratory problems.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Getting Organized
Step 1. Think about your goal
When using the Voldyne 5000 under the guidance of a physician, nurse or respiratory therapist, these professionals can set a goal.
- Voldyne 5000 values range from 250 to 2500 ml, numbers that indicate the volume of air your lungs can inhale. Your goal should be within that range.
- While it is best to start treatment with a specific volume in mind, this is not essential for the first use. Even so, you should still build on your results from each use to fine-tune your ultimate goal.
Step 2. Adjust the pointer
Find the yellow marker on the side of the graduated column. Move it up and down until you reach the position that marks your objective value.
If you don't have a goal the first time you use Voldyne, leave it to adjust the pointer in the future
Step 3. Sit with your back straight on the edge of your bed or chair
If you like, lean forward slightly - but don't be crooked.
- Do not tilt your head back.
- If you can't stand on the edge of the bed, at least try to sit on the spot closest to it. If you are on a hospital stretcher, use the controls to lift it.
Step 4. Hold the Voldyne 5000 "upright" with all markings facing you
- Leave the device well balanced so the procedure runs smoothly and all readings are accurate.
- It is ideal that you have a clear view of the marker and the plungers (which mark the desired volume and main). The volume plunger is the yellow cylinder that sits below the words "Good", "Best" and "Best" on the side of the device; the main plunger, in turn, is the large white disc that sits at the bottom of the cylinder.
Part 2 of 3: Using the Voldyne 5000
Step 1. Exhale naturally
Release as much air as you can from your lungs.
- Exhale through your mouth, not your nose, to release more air in less time.
- It is important that you exhale "completely". If you only do this partially, you won't be able to breathe in as much air with your lungs empty - and thus it will be difficult to achieve the desired volume or get accurate results.
Step 2. Put the mouthpiece to your lips
Press them hard to keep air from escaping.
- If necessary, adjust your tongue so that it does not block the mouthpiece and impair the use of the device.
- Leave the mouthpiece tightly sealed with your lips. Otherwise, some of the air you inhale will come from the environment, not the Voldyne 5000, and the resulting value will be less than expected.
Step 3. Breathe in slowly and deeply
Keep this up until you reach the desired volume or you can no longer inhale.
- If you keep the mouthpiece tightly sealed with your lips, you will feel like you are drinking a thick liquid through a thin straw.
- Examine the plunger that marks the volume; it will be between "Good", "Best" and "Best". This gauge measures how fast you inhale; the slower it is, the better the read. Try to keep it between "Best" and "Best". Breathing in calmly gives the air sacs of the lungs more time to open, making breathing easier and deeper.
- Also check the main plunger. Try to get him to the same spot as the yellow marker. If you want, let it go higher - but don't push it.
Step 4. After you finish breathing in, take a break and hold your breath for 3-5 seconds
Examine the main plunger during this process. It will gradually drop to the smallest possible position (perhaps the "zero" position). When that happens, proceed to the next step
Step 5. Remove the mouthpiece from your lips and exhale normally at a comfortable pace
- As before, try to remove all the air from your lungs as you exhale.
- If you feel short of breath or your lungs are tired, breathe normally for a few seconds before continuing. However, it is ideal that you expire before that.
Step 6. Reset the indicator
Unless your doctor, nurse, or respiratory therapist gives you specific instructions, bring the plastic pointer to the highest point you reached during the procedure.
That way, when you repeat the exercise, you can adjust your goal according to your lungs' abilities
Step 7. Repeat the procedure following the professionals' instructions
Each session you will probably do 10-15 reps.
- If your doctor, nurse, or therapist doesn't give you an exact number of repetitions, try to do at least ten. You can even continue - but stop if you get stunned, dizzy or too tired to move forward.
- Don't try to speed up the process. Advance gradually and breathe normally between each rep. If you feel dizzy or dizzy, take a longer break between each exercise.
- Adjust the yellow marker every time you complete the procedure - but only do so if you reach a higher volume. Also, do not lower the marker unless your doctor, nurse or therapist recommends it.
Step 8. After completing the entire procedure, take a deep breath and cough two or three times
- The cough will help clear mucus from the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
- If you have had recent surgery on your abdomen or stomach or feel pain when you cough, hold a pillow or folded sheet tightly against your chest and cough again. Applying this pressure to the incision site will support the area and ease the pain.
Part 3 of 3: Continuing Therapy
Step 1. Clean the device after each use
Wash the mouthpiece thoroughly with soap and water. Rinse carefully and then dry everything with clean sheets of paper towels.
- If desired, replace the soap and water with an antiseptic mouthwash to clean the mouthpiece.
- If you choose soap and water, rinse off all residue before using the spirometer again.
- The Voldyne 5000 mouthpiece is made to be permanent; use it whenever you need it. If you exchange it for disposable parts, do not use it for more than 24 hours.
Step 2. Repeat the procedure throughout the day
You will need to use the device in the same way every 1-2 hours (or as recommended by your doctor, nurse or respiratory therapist).
In many cases, you should also only follow this schedule during your waking hours. The body needs rest to recover well; so don't wake up in the middle of the night just to repeat the exercise
Step 3. Write down your results
While this is not essential, it is a good idea to keep a journal with the values obtained from each use of the Voldyne 5000.
- Each time you record your results, mark the time, the number of repetitions of the exercise and the volume reached.
- The purpose of this log is to monitor the progress of your lungs and note the advances and returns of the functional abilities of these organs.
- Even if your caregiver keeps a similar diary, keep your own record of progress.
Step 4. Walk
When you've recovered to the point of getting up and walking on your own, walk between each session of using the device. Take a deep breath and cough two or three times.
Coughing while walking can more accurately empty your lungs and make breathing easier
Notices
- If you experience pain related to the lungs or the incision, talk to your health care provider. It's harder to breathe well when you feel physical discomfort.
- Talk to your doctor, nurse or respiratory therapist if you feel light-headed or dizzy. At these times, do not continue using the device.
- If using the Voldyne 5000 at home, call 911 or ask for professional help if you experience unusual chest pain or cannot catch your breath after the procedure.