OSCE Skills- Blood Pressure Flashcards
What do we use to measure blood pressure?
A sphygmomanometer
Which artery is important?
The brachial artery
What do we do first?
Disconnect the cuff and squeeze all of the air out
Once it is reconnected?
Make sure it is the correct size for the patient
How tight?
Enough to fit two fingers inside
The cuff is on- now what?
Locate the brachial pulse and pump he cuff up until you can no longer feel a pulse.
Why palpate?
To obtain a rough systolic BP
How to make an accurate measurement?
Using your stethoscope- listen to the brachial and pump up the cuff to about 20 above the rough estimate. Let the air out slowly until you hear a tapping sound.
Tapping sound?
The onset of this sound should be taken as the systolic pressure.
The diastolic?
The diastolic is the point where you can no longer hear any noise. Can be difficult to distinguish.
What should you warn the patient about beforehand?
Warn them that it may be a bit painful and to let you know if they experience excessive pain.
