Practical assessment 1

What is Haematocrit?

It is a measure of the volume percentage of red blood cells in the blood.

What is lactate?

It is a byproduct produced during anaerobic metabolism, particularly during high-intensity exercise. It is also a fuel source.

What is Heart rate?

It is how many times your heart beats per minute and is a measure of cardiac activity.

What is blood pressure?

It is the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries as it flows through the circulatory system.

Explain blood pressure like I’m 5.

Imagine the heart is a pump that pushes water through a hose. The pressure inside the hose is like your blood pressure. When the pump squeezes hard, the pressure gets stronger, and when it relaxes it gets lower.

What is spirometry?

It is a common pulmonary function test that measures the amount of air you can inhale and exhale, and how quickly you do it.

Step 1 of spirometry (mouth piece)

Assemble the mouthpiece for patrons to breathe through. Make sure air ducts are on correctly.

Step 2 of spirometry (gas calibration)

Click the button that says gas calibration and enter the weather info. Follow instructions to turn on calibration gas (turn lever clockwise), then turn it off once done. Check O₂ and CO₂ change values.

Step 3 of spirometry (Flowmeter calibration)

Click the button that says flowmeter calibration and enter weather info. Connect mouthpiece then follow instructions.

Step 4 of spirometry (Cleaning)

Sterilise everything, making sure to wear gloves. Instructions on the wall.

What is a normal resting heart rate?

Around 50-70 bpm.

What is a healthy blood pressure?

It is 120/80 mmHg (millimetres of mercury).

What is the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure?

Systolic is the higher number, and is the pressure when the heart is pumping blood and beating. Diastolic is the lower number, and is the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats.

What is high blood pressure?

It is also known as hypertension is when resting blood pressure is above 140/90 mmHg. It can result in damage to the cardiovascular system and other body systems.

What are the equipment used for measuring BP?

Stethoscope, and sphygmomanometer

Step 1 measuring HR (set up)

Make sure everything is sterile, strap is cleaned beforehand. Wet the monitor with water. Strap the monitor right below the chest.

Step 2 measuring HR (ipad)

Go to Polar HR monitor app. Go to settings and make sure it is connected. Go to training, select and activity and then start.

Step 1 of measuring BP (Set up)

Ask the client to rest their arm on the table and be seated upright. No crossing legs. Strap the cuff around their bicep area, make sure arrows are all correct. Place the stethoscope on top of the artery.

Step 2 of measuring BP (Squeezing)

Squeeze the bulb to close off the artery. Let it go to around 160-180 mmHg, before slowly letting air out. Watch carefully as there will be a small bump on the reading when heart beats. Also listen for heart beat.

Step 1 of haematocrit (Lancet)

The lancet is the thing that pricks the finger. Let the client relax, with their arm hanging down for a bit (2 minutes). Then remove cap, and press on the button.

Step 2 of haematocrit (blood)

Squeeze the finger to try and get a big drop of blood. Then when ready, draw blood into capillary by resting the UNMARKED end against the blood. Wait until tube is half full.

Step 3 of haematocrit (finishing)

Stab the capillary tube into plasticine, twist before pulling. Do this on the UNMARKED side. Put the capillary into the centrifuge, with the red end towards the centre. Remember the number before spinning.

Step 4 of haematocrit (calculations)

Then you would need to measure the length of the RBC. Then measure the length of the RBC and the plasma. Divide RBC by total, before multiplying by 100 to get percentage. mm is easiest.

Step 1 of blood lactate (Set up)

Prepare the device by turning it on and calibrating/check code. Insert the lactate strip (note the symbol requesting addition of blood).

Step 2 of blood lactate (Lancet)

Let their arm hang for abit (2 minutes). Then get your lancet take off the cap and press the button. Clean off first drop as sweat may contaminate. Let big drop form.

Step 3 of blood lactate (machine)

Place sensor on the side of lactate strip next to drop of blood. Sensor should just pick up blood automatically.

How to set up for blood lactate and haematocrit

Put on appropriate safety gear. Gloves, eye wear, and lab coat (in the pull out drawer). Best practice is to have everything ready to go on the table. Clean the site with alcohol before stabbing.

Cleaning up for blood lactate and haematocrit

Make sure everything is disposed of in the right containers. Lancet in the sharps, and everything else in that yellow bin. Use cotton buds to clean off blood, and make sure to put a band aid on straight after.

Basic things to say for all tests

Hi my name is Minhtam and today we are doing a (test). This test measures…, which is important for… . Are you okay with proceeding with this test?

Things to warn clients for blood lactate and haematocrit

This test involves a needle pricking your finger to get blood.

Things to warn clients for HR

This test involves me wrapping this strap around your body. (not comfortable with touch)

Things to warn clients for BP

This test involves the cuff tightening against your arm, which will temporarily stop blood flow through the brachial artery.

Things to warn clients for spirometry

This test does involve you breathing through a mouthpiece. (might not like stuff inside their mouths)

Haematocrit test are important for…

Measuring a person’s overall health, and helps us diagnose and monitor various conditions related to blood and oxygen transport.

Blood lactate test are important for…

assessing exercise intensity, aerobic fitness, and monitor certain medical conditions related to lactate metabolism.

Blood pressure tests are important for…

detecting hypertension, assessing cardiovascular health, monitoring treatment effectiveness, and promoting overall health and well-being.

Spirometry tests are important for…

assessing lung function, diagnosing and monitoring respiratory conditions, and assessing fitness for surgery or medical interventions.

Heart rate monitoring is important for…

assessing cardiovascular health, evaluating exercise intensity, and assessing stress and emotional states.

What is a healthy spirometry test reading?

FVC should be above 80%. The higher the better

FEV1/FVC ratio should be around 70-75%

What is an average blood lactate reading?

For resting, it should be around 0.5-2 millimoles per litre.

What is an average haematocrit reading?

40%-52% for males

36%-48% for females