Blood Pressure Measurements
Taking Manual Measurement
1. Place stethoscope diaphragm over the brachial artery at the side of the cuff. 2. Tighten screw on the side of rubber bulb; squeeze bulb to inflating the cuff. 3. Inflate the cuff to 30 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury) above the point that blood flow (sound) is halted in the artery. 4. Slowly, turn the screw to loosen the valve and lessen the pressure in the cuff (decrease by 2 mm/sec). - Listen for the start of blood flow through artery; once audible, record # from the gauge = systolic pressure. - Once cuff decompresses allowing blood to flow freely (no longer able to hear sound); record # from the gauge = diastolic pressure. Record both numbers immediately.
Fitting the Cuff
Accurate BP reading depends on a proper fitting BP cuff. 1. Patient = sitting/lying position with arm in a fully supported position. 2. Legs are not be crossed and arm should be at heart level. 3. Pediatrics or ppl with large/thick arms = need specialized cuffs. 4. Cuff's lower edge placed 1in above bend of elbow. 5. Wrap cuff around bare arm and secure the Velcro.
Blood Pressure Measurement
Blood pressure is recorded as a ratio. Normal resting BP: 120/80 mm Hg; mm Hg is millimeters of mercury. 1ST #(120): Systolic pressure (Pressure within artery when the heart is pumping). - Sound when using stethoscope (Phase I Korotkoff) 2ND #(80): Diastolic pressure (Pressure within artery when the heart is resting between beats). - NO sound when using stethoscope(Phase V Korotkoff)
High Blood Pressure
High BP can be abnormal on occasion: (Due to) Nervousness, anxiety, recent exercise, alcohol, caffeine, tobacco. High BP causes unnecessary strain on arteries and heart. - Consistent high pressure causes arteries to become thicker and less flexible over time. - Thicker arteries = narrow; restricts blood flow increasing risk of clots. - Clots can lead to: heart attacks; increased risk of stroke; kidney disease; dementia.
Equipment
Manual: measured with sphygmomanometer & stethoscope. - In auscultation, stethoscopes used to: take BP by listening for specific heartbeat sounds; determines systolic & diastolic pressures. Automatic: measured automatically with a digital monitor - Oscillometric technology measures vibration of blood traveling through arteries; converts movement into digital readings.
What is Blood Pressure?
· Blood Pressure (BP) force exerted by blood against arteries. · 2 BP Types: systolic & diastolic. · BP is an important assessment/investigative tool. · Non-invasive technique used to examine heart and vessel health. · High BP could indicate future health problems.
