Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

  • Blood pressure is measured using two readings: a high (systolic) and a low (diastolic).

Required Materials:

  • Blood Pressure Cuff
  • Stethoscope
  • 1 Cloth
  • 2 Alcohol pads

Procedure Steps:

  • Patient Interaction
    • Knock on the door and introduce yourself.
    • Explain the procedure to the patient.
    • Address the patient by name to establish a rapport.
    • Ensure patient’s privacy by closing curtains.
  • Preliminary Hygiene
    • Sanitize your hands thoroughly.
    • Verify the patient’s identity by checking their ID.
  • Setup
    • Gather all the required materials and arrange them on a tray table covered with a towel.
    • Adjust the patient’s bed to a sitting position.
  • Stethoscope Preparation
    • Clean the diaphragm of the stethoscope and earbuds using an alcohol pad.
    • Place the stethoscope around your neck with the buds directed away from your neck.
  • Patient Preparation
    • Position the patient’s arm so that the palm is facing upwards and the elbow is at heart level.
    • Wrap the blood pressure cuff evenly around the upper arm, ensuring the bottom of the cuff is about an inch above the antecubital area (front of the elbow).
  • Measurement
    • Request the patient to hold the dial for easy visibility.
    • Identify the location of the brachial artery, which is the major blood vessel of the upper arm.
    • Position the stethoscope’s diaphragm over the brachial artery and insert the earpieces into your ears.
    • Safely inflate the cuff to a level not exceeding 30mm beyond the last palpable or audible pulse.
    • Inflate the cuff in stages: start at 80, pause and listen, then proceed to 100, 120, and so on.
    • When the pulse is no longer audible, gently begin deflating the cuff.
    • The first audible beat indicates the systolic pressure. Remember this measurement.
    • The last audible beat represents the diastolic pressure. Remember this measurement.
  • Post-Measurement Steps
    • Detach the cuff from the patient’s arm.
    • Remove and clean the stethoscope, including the earpieces and the diaphragm.
    • Record the patient’s blood pressure.
  • Final Steps
    • Wash your hands once more.
    • Adjust the patient’s bed to their preference.
    • Give the patient their call button and close the curtains for privacy.