Overview
- Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood against the walls of the arteries.
- Blood pressure results from two forces. One is created by the heart as it pumps blood into the arteries and through the circulatory system. The other is the force of the arteries as they resist the blood flow.
- These pressures are known as “Systolic” and “Diastolic”
Common Errors and Artifacts
- Each of these factors are relational and interdependent and will ultimately affect the performance of the technique and the actual measurement.
- Most of the factors can be addressed as part of the training process.
Effectively taking a B/P measurement
Standard practice for B/P Measurement
Bladder Dimensions
- Check the back of the cuff
- Ensure proper cuff placement
- Ensure proper cuff sizing
Stethoscope
- B/P measurement relies on the accurate transmission of Korotkoff sounds and that can vary from stethoscope-to-stethoscope.
- The use of various stethoscopes amongst staff can account for poor acoustical performance and affect the accuracy of B/P measurement.
- Use of either bell or diaphragm:
- Bell for kids
- Diaphragm for adults
Limb Selection
- Dual B/P
- Right or left arm preference
- Placement of stethoscope
- Height of arm
- Placement of cuff
