Blood Pressure Clinical Flashcards
Do you measure blood pressure on the dominant or non-dominant arm first?
Dominant although take it in both during first time
When taking subsequent BP readings which arm do you take it on?
The arm which has had the highest measurement previously
What is a normal pressure difference between arms ?
10mmHg
What may more than 10mmHg between arms indicate?
Coarctation of the aorta or cardiac disease.
What differences will occur in BP readings in older people?
The more rigid arteriosclerotic arteries account for higher systolic blood pressure.
What is systolic pressure over 140 but diastolic pressure under 90mmHg called?
Isolated systolic hypertension
What does a drop of less than 20mmHg from the recorded sitting position indicate?
May indicate orthostatic hypotension which may be related to dehydration or medications
What are some symptoms of orthostatic hypotension?
Dizziness, lightheaded ness, and falling.
What factors do you need to consider when measuring blood pressure ?
Room temp, Recent excercise, alcohol intake, nicotine use, muscular tension, bladder distension, backround Rosie, talking, and arm position.
What equipment do you need for measuring BP?
Sphygmomanometer, stethoscope, pen, and recording sheet.
What position do you want your patient in when taking BP?
Sitting or lieing
Can you take a patients BP on top of clothing?
NO
If you are pulling up clothing to take a patients BP does it matter if the clothing is restrictive?
Yes
Does Cuff size matter?
Yes the cuff should be appropriately sized
How should the patients arm be during a BP reading?
Slightly flexed, Palm up at heart level
When you inflate the cuff what do you do at the same time?
Palpate the radial artery
How do you tighten the valve of the air pump on the BP unit?
Adjust the screw above the bulb and make sure the tubing is not kinked or obstructed.
How do you inflate the cuff of the BP unit?
Pumping the bulb to about 30mmHg above the point at which the brachial pulse disappears.
How slowly do you need to deflate the BP cuff?
About 2mmHg per second.
When do you take first BP measurements?
When you hear the first sound when deflating the BP cuff - this will be the closest even number on the mercury gauge. This is the systolic BP
When is the second time that you take BP measurements?
When the sounds become muffled.
When is the third time that you take BP measurements?
When the sounds stop completely. - Diastolic pressure.
What is a normal systolic BP?
<120
What is a normal diastolic BP?
<80
What is a high normal systolic pressure?
120-139
What is a high normal diastolic BP?
80-89
