A relaxed subject breathed into a clean mouthpiece for a period of 1-2 minutes with an oximeter placed on the tip of the index finger. During this time, the subject was asked to stay still with their hands in their lap and palms pointing upwards as well as wearing a nose clip. This normal breathing was recorded on the computer and then the volunteer was asked to exhale for 4-6 seconds after a normal inspiration to ensure the collection of an end tidal volume sample. The recording was stopped after the exercise was completed and a single point selector was used to measure the pO2 and pCO2 in exhaled air and the saturation of Hb-O2 of an end tidal volume sample before the results were recorded in a spreadsheet. For the next exercise, the subject breathed normally into the mouthpiece for a few minutes with a nose clip before the subject held their breath until he/she felt the need to breath in …show more content…
At which point, the subject was required to exhale normally over a period of 4-6 seconds to collect measurement for an end tidal volume sample. The degree of discomfort along with the measurements of pO2, pCO2 and saturation of Hb-O2 were recorded. The third exercise asked the subject to hyperventilate until the subject developed light-headedness with the nose clip on their nose before asked to exhale 4-6 seconds over the mouthpiece at the end of a normal expiration. Measurements of pO2, pCO2 and saturation of Hb-O2 were taken and recorded as well as symptoms and degree of light- headedness. For the last exercise, the subject was asked to hyperventilate like in the last exercise before they completed a breath hold after a normal inspiration. The subject was required to hold their breath until they experienced discomfort and then exhaled into the mouthpiece for 4-6 seconds. Measurements are made through the use of data handle and marker to record pO2, pCO2 and saturation of Hb-O2.