Blood Pressure, Heart Rate and Respiratory Rate Flashcards
How can you best ensure that the rate you are taking is an accurate resting measurement:
The person should be suitably rested, comfortable and free from fatigue.
They should be seated quietly and well supported for at least 5 minutes prior.
Explain how to take a blood pressure reading:
Patients should be seated quietly for min 5 mins with their feet on the floor and arm supported at heart level.
Wrap cuff firmly around the upper arm aligned with the brachial artery.
Place a stethoscope below the antecubital space over the brachial artery.
Inflate the cuff pressure to 20mmgh above the first Korotkoff sound.
Slowly release pressure at a rate of 2-5 mmhg per second.
Systolic BP is the point at which the first 2 or more Korotkoff sounds are heard
Diastolic BP is the point before the disappearance of the Korotkoff sounds
How is the systolic BP found?
Systolic BP is the point at which the first 2 or more Korotkoff sounds are heard
How is the diastolic BP found?
Diastolic BP is the point before the disappearance of the Korotkoff sounds
What is a Korotkoff sound?
Sounds generated when the blood pressure cuff changes the flow of blood through the artery
What is the most commonly used pulse for measuring heart rate?
The radial pulse (wrist)
Explain how to take a heart rate reading:
Make sure the patient is comfortable and relaxed
Place your first finger on the artery
Apply light pressure until the pulse is felt
Count the pulse for 30 seconds and multiply by 2 for heart rate in bpm
What is the diastolic BP?
Measures the pressure on walls of the arteries between heartbeats
(it is the number on the bottom)
What is a normal diastolic BP?
Less than 80 mmHg
What is a normal diastolic BP?
60 - 80 mmHg
What is a normal systolic BP?
90 - 120 mmHg
Explain how to take a respiratory rate reading:
Perform the pulse rate assessment
Without releasing the wrist look for movement of the ribs or abdomen as the patient breathes
Count the number of breaths the patient takes in 30 seconds
Multiply the measurement by 2
Why must the patient not be aware that you are taking a respiratory rate reading?
Because if they are aware then their breathing pattern may change
What is the unit of measurement for blood pressure?
Systolic BP / Diastolic BP
What is the unit of measurement for respiratory rate?
Breaths per minute (bpm)
