During an acute asthma episode, which tool is used to obtain a baseline personal best reading for monitoring?

• A. Pulse oximeter
• B. Sphygmomanometer
• C. Peak flow meter
• D. Spirometer

Answer: (C)

During stable periods of asthma, establish a personal best by taking repeated readings with a peak flow meter. This device measures how fast air can be expelled, giving a simple, reproducible number in liters per minute that becomes your baseline. When an acute episode occurs, comparing current peak expiratory flow to this personal best helps you judge the level of airway obstruction and decide if you need to adjust treatment or seek care. A pulse oximeter checks oxygen saturation and doesn’t directly reflect airway flow; a sphygmomanometer measures blood pressure; a spirometer gives detailed lung volumes and airflow in a clinical setting and isn’t as practical for home baseline monitoring.