The 3 P’s
1. Practitioner:
· Most respiratory therapeutics are droplet-forming procedures. Barrier precautions, as dictated by your local standards, including gloves, mask, and eye protection, are always optimal. Pre- and post-hand-washing are assumed.
2. Patient:
· Depending on the technique, judicious and skillful patient education in covering their mouth with a tissue during cough and secretion production can decrease droplet formation in the environment. Placing a tissue in the patient’s hand before the procedure improves compliance. Pre- and post-hand-washing are assumed.
3. Pain or Puffing and Panting (dyspnea)
· Stop or Slow-
o Stop using any techniques if the patient has pain, extreme shortness of breath, or dizziness.
o Slow the maneuvers' frequency, rate, volume, or aggressiveness if the patient becomes light-headed or experiences worrisome shortness of breath or discomfort.
