Blood Pressure

Question 1

Blood pressure (BP) definition

Answer 1

the force of blood exerted on the vessel walls

Question 2

what is BP measured in?

Answer 2

mm Hg (millimetres of mercury)

Question 3

Systolic pressure definition

Answer 3

pressure produced during ventricular contraction, bigger number

Question 4

Diastolic pressure definition

Answer 4

pressure produced when ventricular relaxes, smaller number

Question 5

Factors determining systolic pressure

Answer 5

stroke volume, contraction force, elasticity of the arterial wall

Question 6

stroke volume (SV) definition

Answer 6

amount of blood forced by arteries

Question 7

Factors affecting diastolic pressure

Answer 7

degree of peripheral resistance, systolic pressure, cardiac output

Question 8

degree of peripheral resistance definition

Answer 8

resistance used to generate blood pressure

Question 9

cardiac output definition

Answer 9

the amount of blood pumped from the heart every minute , litres per min

Question 10

Why do we take BP?

Answer 10

establish baseline, infection, during labour, following surgery, check for preeclampsia

Question 11

hypertension definition

Answer 11

high BP

Question 12

hypotension definition

Answer 12

low BP

Question 13

What is BP equipment?

Answer 13

alcohol gel, cuff and sphygmomanometer, stethoscope, alcohol prep pad, observations chart, electrical BP monitor

Question 14

explain BP rules

Answer 14

1. introduce yourself
2. explain the procedure and gain informed consent
3. respect privacy/dignity
4. no cuff on top of clothing
5. no crossed legs
6. the sphygmomanometer should be level of the heart
7. arm should be supported

Question 15

first step of BP

Answer 15

apply the cuff above the brachial artery with middle of the rubber band directly over the artery

Question 15

second step of BP

Answer 15

palpate brachial pulse with fingers and other to pump bulb until pulse disappears, inflate cuff to 30 mmHg above the approximate systolic pressure

Question 16

third step of BP

Answer 16

place the stethoscope head over the brachial artery at the antecubital fossa

Question 17

fourth step of BP

Answer 17

slowly deflate the cuff

Question 18

fifth step of BP

Answer 18

listen for korotkoff sounds. first= systolic and last=diastolic

Question 19

sixth step of BP

Answer 19

assist with patient’s clothing, inform patient and document

Question 20

what effects accuracy of BP?

Answer 20

talking, distractions, poor equipment and technique, cuff size, operator bias