Blood Pressure (BP)

Question 1

Blood Pressure - Definition

Answer 1

This is the pressure exerted by the blood on the arterial walls. Expressed in mmHG (milligrams of mercury).

Question 2

Systolic BP

Answer 2

The force at which the left ventricle pumps the blood into the aorta is known as systolic pressure.

This force dissipates by the time the blood reaches the capillaries.

Question 3

Normal parameters of systolic BP in adults

Answer 3

120mmHG but can vary.

Question 4

Children 1-10yrs minimal systolic is calculated as follows:

Answer 4

80+(2xage in years)
example: 2yr old: 80+(2x2)=84
8yr old: 80+(2x8)=96

Question 5

Diastolic BP

Answer 5

Between contractions the heart and blood vessels recoil in a resting phase.
The resulting lower pressure is called ‘Diastolic Pressure’.

Question 6

Normal adult diastolic pressure is:

Answer 6

80mmHG but can vary

Question 7

Blood pressure is recorded as:

Answer 7

120 (systolic)
___
80 (diastolic)

Question 8

Diastolic pressure in infants is:

Answer 8

about 50mmHG

Question 9

Diastolic pressure at 1yr/2yr

Answer 9

about 60mmHG

Question 10

Diastolic pressure at puberty

Answer 10

about 70mmHG

Question 11

Abnormally High BP is called:

Answer 11

Hypertension (a sign the CV system is being overloaded)

Question 12

Abnormally Low BP is called:

Answer 12

Hypotension (if BP is too low there is inadequate blood flow to the heart, brain and other vital organs)

Question 13

Measuring BP

Answer 13

Select the most appropriate cuff for the patient.

Basic rule: The cuff should be on half to two thirds the size of the upper arm

Question 14

Measuring BP

Answer 14

1. Locate the brachial artery.
2. Feel the radial pulse.
3. Place the cuff around the upper arm.
4. Inflate the cuff until the radial pulse can no longer be felt.
5. Use the stethoscope to listen to the brachial artery.
6. Listen as you slowly deflate the cuff.
7. 1st stage: no sound = no flow of blood.
   2nd stage: intermittent noise = turbulent blood flow.
   3rd stage: no sound = continuous blood flow
8. note the pressure reading at the point when you first hear a noise and then at the point when it stops. These two reading will be systolic and diastolic pressures.

Question 15

Documentation

Answer 15

Both the Systolic and Diastolic pressures.
Plus: Was the patient standing, sitting or lying down. Were there an other factors that might effect BP such as pain, drugs, anxiety, etc?

Question 16

Taking BP in noisy environment

Answer 16

May not be possible to hear anything through the stethoscope SO: feel for the return of the radial pulse, note the pressure reading. This will be the systolic pressure (diastolic pressure cannot be palpated). Record on PRF as ‘systolic BP palpated’