Fundamentals: Chapter 29; BP Flashcards
What is the force exerted on the walls of an artery by the pulsing blood under pressure from the heart?
Blood Pressure
Blood moves from an area of ________ pressure to an area of __________ pressure.
high; low
What is the peak of maximum pressure when blood ejection from the heart occurs?
systolic pressure
When the ventricles relax, the blood remaining in the arteries exerts a minimum pressure. What is this pressure called?
diastolic pressure
What is the standard unit for measuring BP?
mmHg (millimeters of mercury)
What is the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure?
pulse pressure
What happens to BP as CO increases?
BP rises
What factors increase CO?
an increase in HR, greater heart muscle contractility, or an increase in blood volume
As peripheral vascular resistance increases (vessel constriction), what happens to BP?
BP rises
As peripheral vascular resistance decreases (vessel dilation), what happens to BP?
BP drops
What is the average blood volume in an adult?
5000ml (5 L)
What is the term for the percentage of RBCs in the blood?
hematocrit
What determines the viscosity of the blood
hematocrit level
How does increased elasticity of blood vessels effect BP?
BP drops
How does decreased elasticity of blood vessels effect BP?
BP rises
How does opioid analgesics effect BP?
BP drops
What are the 4 classifications of blood pressure and their associated limits?
Normal
<120/80
Prehypertension†
120-139/80-89
Stage 1 hypertension
140-159/90-99
Stage 2 hypertension
≥160/100
How do diuretics effect BP?
Lowers blood pressure by reducing resorption of sodium and water by the kidneys, thus lowering circulating fluid volume
How do beta-adrenergic blockers effect BP?
Combines with beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart, arteries, and arterioles to block response to sympathetic nerve impulses; reduces heart rate and thus cardiac output
How do vasodilators effect BP?
Acts on arteriolar smooth muscle to cause relaxation and reduce peripheral vascular resistance
How do calcium channel blockers effect BP?
Reduces peripheral vascular resistance by systemic vasodilation
How do angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors effect BP?
Lowers blood pressure by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, preventing vasoconstriction; reduces aldosterone production and fluid retention, lowering circulating fluid volume
How do angiotensin-II receptor blockers (ARBs) effect BP?
Lowers blood pressure by blocking the binding of angiotensin II, which prevents vasoconstriction
How does smoking effect BP?
results in vasoconstriction, a narrowing of blood vessels thus increasing BP
What is the term for when a normotensive person develops symptoms and low BP when rising to an upright position
orthostatic hypotension (aka postural hypotension)
How does a nurse assess for orthostatic hypotension?
obtain BP and pulse with the patient supine, sitting, and standing and obtain BP readings 1 to 3 minutes after the patient changes position
