Measuring Blood Pressure

Blood pressure = pressure exerted by the blood as it flows through the arteries
systolic = contraction 120 mm/hg
diastolic = relaxation 80 mm/hg
HPN = Bp > 140/90
Hypotension = < 90/60
Sphygmomanometer = device use

1. Prepare the client
Timing: wait 3o mins
Size: 2/3 of the arm circumference
Positioning: sitting with the arm at the level of the heart
*cuff - rubber cord that it is being inflated

2. Wrap the deflated cuff evenly around the arm
Placing: 1 inch above the antecubital space

3. Palpatory determination of the systolic BP
Palpatory systolic BP = point when the brachial pulse is obliterated
margin of error: + 30mmHg
Ex: Palpatory systolic BP = 170 + 30 = 180
180 is the highest mmHg the cuff is to be inflated.
Wait: 1-2 mins when going to repeat the Palpatory systolic BP

4. Place over the stethoscope appropriately
Place over the brachial pulse
Korotkoff - low frequency sound
Bell: low frequency sound
Diaphragm: high frequency sound

5. Auscultate the BP
Pump above: + 30 mmHg above the palpatory Systolic BP
Release carefully: 2-3mmHg/sec.
Reassess: 1-2 mins

6. Remove the cuff from the client's arm

7.Repeat if necessary
0-10 = normal difference


Ex: Left arm 120/80 Right Arm 115/80
= No difference: < 10 mmHg

Ex: Left Arm 130/80 Right Arm 115/80
= Abnormal: difference is > 10