Week 5 : Blood Pressure Assessment Flashcards
Factor: Pumping Action of the heart on blood pressure
- The force generated by the contraction of the left ventricle during systole, is one of the primary determinants of blood pressure.
What is Systolic Blood Pressure?
Systolic : The maximum pressure of the blood against the wall of the artery. Occurs during ventricular contraction
State the normal parameters of blood pressure Newborn
Newborn: 40 (mean)
Define hypotension and hypertension
Hypotension: Low Blood Pressure
Hypertension: High Blood Pressure 140/90mmHg
Discuss common errors in blood pressure assessment.
- In correct cuff size
- Incorrect cuff positioning
- Cuff deflation, it should be 2-3mmHg
What is blood pressure?
When the heart pumps blood through the arteries, the blood puts pressure on the artery walls.
What is Diastolic Blood Pressure?
Diastolic : The minimum pressure of the blood against the wall of the artery. Occurs during ventricular relaxation/rest.
State the normal parameters of blood pressure 1year
1 year: 85/54
State the normal parameters of blood pressure 6 years
6 years: 95/65
State the normal parameters of blood pressure 14-17 years
14-17 years: 120/75
State the normal parameters of blood pressure middle adult
Middle Adult: <120/80
Define this term Hypertension
Elevated blood pressure in the arteries.
Blood pressure readings consistently exceed 130/80 mmHg
Define this term Hypotension
Abnormally low blood pressure in the arteries.
Systolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure less than 60 mmHg.
Define this term Diastole
Is the phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart muscle relaxes and fills with blood
During diastole, the ventricles of the heart are in a state of relaxation, allowing blood to flow into the chambers from the atria.
Define this term Systole
The phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart muscle contracts and pumps blood out of the chambers into the arteries.
During systole, the ventricles contract, forcing blood out of the heart and into the systemic circulation.
Define this term Orthostatic hypotension
Is a form of low blood pressure that occurs when a person stands up from a sitting or lying position.
Orthostatic hypotension can be caused by dehydration, medication side effects, nervous system disorders, or prolonged bed rest.
Define this term Anterior cubital fossa
Triangular-shaped depression on the anterior surface of the elbow joint
Used as a site for venipuncture (blood drawing) and for measuring blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer.
Define this term Brachial pulse
Pulse felt in the brachial artery, which is located in the upper arm
Used for assessing blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer by placing the cuff around the upper arm and palpating the brachial artery to detect the pulse.
Define this term Korotkoff sounds
Series of sounds heard through a stethoscope placed over an artery, typically the brachial artery, during the measurement of blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer.
sounds are produced by turbulent blood flow as the cuff pressure is gradually released, and they are used to determine systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings.
Define this term Pulse Pressure
The difference between the systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings.
It reflects the force generated by the contraction of the heart’s left ventricle and the elasticity of the arteries.
A normal pulse pressure is typically around 40 mmH
Orthostatic Hypotension Symptoms
– Dizziness
– Vagueness
– Visual disturbances – Palpitations
- Lightheadedness
- Pallor
- Feelings of weakness
Orthostatic Hypotension Signs
- A drop in systolic BP of 20mmHg or more (with or without
symptoms) - A drop to below 90mmHg on standing, even if the drop is less than 20mmHg
- A drop in diastolic BP of 10mmHg with symptoms
Orthostatic Hypotension Causes
-Taking certain medications for blood pressure, heart, mood and Parkinson’s disease.
- Dehydration due to not drinking enough fluids, vomiting or diarrhoea.
- Prolonged bed rest.
- Certain conditions e.g. diabetes, heart problems, Parkinson’s disease and anaemia.
- Excessive amounts of alcohol.
What can nurses do to assist patients experiencing Orthostatic Hypotension?
– Get out of bed slowly
– First sit up, then sit on the side of the bed, then stand up.
– Take their time when changing position, such as when getting up from a chair.
– Have something steady to hold onto when they stand up.
– Take it steady when walking or get support if they feel dizzy.
– Exercise gently before getting up (move their feet up and down and clench and unclench their hands) or after standing (march in place).
– Avoid standing still over a long time.
– Avoid taking very hot baths or showers.
– Try sleeping with extra pillows to raise their head.
Factor: Pumping Action of the heart on blood pressure
Factor: Pumping Action of the heart on blood pressure
Factor: Pumping Action of the heart on blood pressure
Factor: Pumping Action of the heart on blood pressure
