Which assessment tool is used to evaluate the effectiveness of bronchodilator therapy?

The spirometer is the appropriate choice for evaluating the effectiveness of bronchodilator therapy. This tool measures the volume of air inhaled and exhaled by the lungs, providing essential measurements such as forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). These parameters are crucial in assessing pulmonary function and determining the impact of bronchodilator therapy. After administering the bronchodilator, a spirometer can help healthcare providers compare pre- and post-bronchodilator measurements to evaluate the degree of improvement in airflow limitation, indicating the therapy's effectiveness.

The peak flow meter, while useful for monitoring airway obstruction, primarily measures peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) rather than detailed lung function like a spirometer. A pulse oximeter is beneficial for determining oxygen saturation in the blood but does not provide information on airflow or lung function. The capnometer measures the concentration of carbon dioxide in exhaled air, which can be useful for assessing ventilation but is not specifically designed to evaluate bronchodilator therapy’s effectiveness. Therefore, the spirometer is the best assessment tool in this context.