NOTES_3 Ch 30: Vital Signs - BP and Pain Flashcards
Define Blood Pressure
The force exerted on the arterial wall by pulsing blood under pressure from the heart.
What are some factors that influence BP?
S.A.M.S. A.G.E.D
- Stressed
- Activity/Weight
- Medications
- Smoking
- Age
- Gender
- Ethnicity
- Daily Variation
Which is more common, hypotension or hypertension?
Hypertension
Hypertension can be…
asymptomatic
Symptoms of Hypotension
- Pallor (paleness)
- Skin mottling (spots or smears of color)
- Clamminess
- Confusion
- Increased heart rate
- Decreased Urine output
What is considered a normal blood pressure reading?
<120/80
What is the BP range indicating Prehypertension?
- Systolic: 120-139
- Dyastolic: 80-89
What is the BP range indicating Stage 1 hypertension?
- Systolic: 140-159
- Diastolic: 90-99
What is the BP range indicating Stage 2 hypertension?
- Systolic: 160 and above
- Diastolic: 100 and above
What is required before a diagnostis of Hypertension?
Multiple BP readings over several visits
(to establish consistancy)
When taking a lower extremety BP, what is the site of auscultation?
Popliteal Artery
How does a lower-extremety BP compare to a brachial artery BP?
- Systolic pressure is usually higher by 10-40 mmHg
- Diastolic pressure should be same
When should you take a lower-extremity BP?
- When the upper extremites are inaccessible for BP measurement
- (due to IV, casts, etc)
Orthostatic Hypotension is a drop of __ mmHg or more from the recorded sitting BP.
20
Orthostatic Hypotension may be related to
- fluid volume deficit
- medications (diuretics or anti-hypertensive)