Blood Pressure

How is BP documented and what is the numerator and what is the denominator?

BP is documented as a fraction. The systolic reading is the top number or numerator. The diastolic reading is the bottom number or denominator.

What can cause a high pulse pressure?

High pulse pressure can be caused an increase in blood volume or heart rate or a decrease in the ability of the arteries to expand.

Explain how the size of the cuff and the placement of the cuff can affect BP.

A cuff that is too small will give an artificially high reading. A cuff too large will give an artificially low reading. For the greatest degree of accuracy, the width of the cuff should be approximately 40% of the circumference.

Describe prehypertension and what is the treatment.

Prehypertension is indicated when pressures are between 120 and 139 mm Hg stolic or 80 and 89mm Hg diastolic. Proper nutrition and a regular exercise program are the main treatments.

Define Pulse Pressure

Pulse pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure.

What is the name of the piece of equipment used to check BP.

Sphygmometer

Compare and Contrast Systolic and Diastolic BP

Systolic Blood pressure is when the heart is contracting and pushing blood. Diastolic is when the heart is at rest.

Define Blood Pressure

blood pressure is a measurement of the pressure that the blood exerts on the walls of the arteries during the various stages of heart activity.

Define orthostatic or postural hypotension

orthostatic or postural hypotension occurs when there is a sudden drop in both systolic and diastolic pressure when an individual moves from a lying to a sitting or standing position.

Explain different types of sphygmomanometers

sphymomanometer is an instrument used to measure blood pressure. Three main types are mercury, aneroid, and electronic.

Explain palpatory systolic pressure

to do this, find the radical pulse and keep your fingers on it. Inflate the cuff until the radical pulse disappears. Inflate the cuff to 30 mm hg above this point. slowly release the pressure on the cuff while watching the guage,

What is a normal range for pulse pressure in adults?

30-50 mm in adults

Describe hypertension and what can it lead to

Hypertension, or high blood pressure is indicated when pressures are greater than 140mm. hg systolic and 90mm hg diastolic . Can lead to stroke, kidney disease and or heart disease.

Describe Hypotension

Hypotension is low blood pressure, (indicated) when pressures are less than 90mm hg stolic and 60mm hg diastolic.