Week 5 : Blood Pressure Assessment

Question 1

Factor: Pumping Action of the heart on blood pressure

Answer 1

• The force generated by the contraction of the left ventricle during systole, is one of the primary determinants of blood pressure.

Question 2

What is Systolic Blood Pressure?

Answer 2

Systolic : The maximum pressure of the blood against the wall of the artery. Occurs during ventricular contraction

Question 3

State the normal parameters of blood pressure Newborn

Answer 3

Newborn: 40 (mean)

Question 4

Define hypotension and hypertension

Answer 4

Hypotension: Low Blood Pressure
Hypertension: High Blood Pressure 140/90mmHg

Question 5

Discuss common errors in blood pressure assessment.

Answer 5

1. In correct cuff size
2. Incorrect cuff positioning
3. Cuff deflation, it should be 2-3mmHg

Question 6

What is blood pressure?

Answer 6

When the heart pumps blood through the arteries, the blood puts pressure on the artery walls.

Question 7

What is Diastolic Blood Pressure?

Answer 7

Diastolic : The minimum pressure of the blood against the wall of the artery. Occurs during ventricular relaxation/rest.

Question 8

State the normal parameters of blood pressure 1year

Answer 8

1 year: 85/54

Question 9

State the normal parameters of blood pressure 6 years

Answer 9

6 years: 95/65

Question 10

State the normal parameters of blood pressure 14-17 years

Answer 10

14-17 years: 120/75

Question 11

State the normal parameters of blood pressure middle adult

Answer 11

Middle Adult: <120/80

Question 12

Define this term Hypertension

Answer 12

Elevated blood pressure in the arteries.

Blood pressure readings consistently exceed 130/80 mmHg

Question 13

Define this term Hypotension

Answer 13

Abnormally low blood pressure in the arteries.

Systolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure less than 60 mmHg.

Question 14

Define this term Diastole

Answer 14

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.

Question 15

Define this term Systole

Answer 15

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.

Question 16

Define this term Orthostatic hypotension

Answer 16

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.

Question 17

Define this term Anterior cubital fossa

Answer 17

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.

Question 18

Define this term Brachial pulse

Answer 18

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.

Question 19

Define this term Korotkoff sounds

Answer 19

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.

Question 20

Define this term Pulse Pressure

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Orthostatic Hypotension Symptoms

Answer 21

– Dizziness
– Vagueness
– Visual disturbances – Palpitations
- Lightheadedness
- Pallor
- Feelings of weakness

Question 22

Orthostatic Hypotension Signs

Answer 22

• 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

Question 23

Orthostatic Hypotension Causes

Answer 23

-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.

Question 24

What can nurses do to assist patients experiencing Orthostatic Hypotension?

Answer 24

– 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.

Question 25

Factor: Pumping Action of the heart on blood pressure

Question 26

Factor: Pumping Action of the heart on blood pressure

Question 27

Factor: Pumping Action of the heart on blood pressure

Question 28

Factor: Pumping Action of the heart on blood pressure