Blood Pressure This section covers the proper way to determine a client’s blood pressure. Using the proper technique’s are key to ensuring the correct blood pressure is attained. For your return demonstration, you will be expected to know how to properly attain a blood pressure reading. You must view the video and practice according to the guidelines prior to your return demo. You will be provided a blood pressure cuff and a stethoscope.
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Assessment
The position of the patient’s arm that you are performing the blood pressure on also effects the reading you will get. If the patient’s arm is above their heart level, you will get a false low. If the patient’s arm is below heart level or the arm is not supported, you will get a false low reading.
Selecting the Correct Cuff Size
In order to correctly identify what your client’s blood pressure is, you will need to determine which size cuff to use. If you have a cuff that is too small or loose fitting, you will get a false high reading. If you have a cuff that is too large, you will have a false low reading. To measure a patient for the correct size of cuff, it should measure length-wise from the shoulder to the elbow as well as about 40% around the arm. The picture shows how to measure cuffs properly.
You should always avoid taking blood pressure in the following sites:
· Injured/diseased arm or hand
· Cast or bulky dressing
· Lymph node removal/mastectomy
· IV present
· AV fistula present
You should always avoid taking blood pressure in the following sites:
· Injured/diseased arm or hand
· Cast or bulky dressing
· Lymph node removal/mastectomy
· IV present
· AV fistula present
Key Points
The normal blood pressure reading is 120/80.
· A reading of 120-139/80-89 is prehypertension.
· A reading of 140-159/90-99 is Stage 1 Hypertension.
· A reading of over 160/100 is Stage 2 Hypertension.
· Hypotension is a systolic reading that is consistently measured between 85 and 110 mmHg.
· Orthostatic Hypotension is a fall in systolic BP of at least 20 mmHg systolic or 10 mmHg diastolic and an increase in heart
rate of 15-30 bpm when a patient stands or sits up.
Factors that influence Blood Pressure include:
· Exercise
· Nutrition
· Stress
· Alcohol intake
· Smoking
· A reading of 120-139/80-89 is prehypertension.
· A reading of 140-159/90-99 is Stage 1 Hypertension.
· A reading of over 160/100 is Stage 2 Hypertension.
· Hypotension is a systolic reading that is consistently measured between 85 and 110 mmHg.
· Orthostatic Hypotension is a fall in systolic BP of at least 20 mmHg systolic or 10 mmHg diastolic and an increase in heart
rate of 15-30 bpm when a patient stands or sits up.
Factors that influence Blood Pressure include:
· Exercise
· Nutrition
· Stress
· Alcohol intake
· Smoking