Measuring non-invasive blood pressure step-by-step

Non-invasive blood pressure measurement is an important procedure in nursing. Measurements may be made using a sphygmomanometer or a digitally automated blood pressure cuff. In each cases, it will be significant to make sure that the right size cuff is used and proper technique is followed. In any of those scenarios, inaccurate readings may occur. Equipment ought to be properly calibrated in accordance with the policy.

Hand-held sphygmomanometers are available two types: mercury and aneroid. Mercury is taken into account the gold standard, nevertheless it has develop into less common on account of the potential for mercury exposure if ruptured. Aneroid devices use a dial that drops in proportion to the pressure within the cuff, but have the drawback of requiring more frequent calibration. Both of those devices require the usage of a stethoscope. Digital blood pressure monitors use oscillometric measurements and don’t require a stethoscope.

The cuff size should be adapted to the patient. If the cuff is simply too small, your blood pressure reading could also be falsely high. Similarly, if the blood pressure cuff is simply too large, the blood pressure reading could also be falsely low. The patient should sit comfortably and rest for not less than five minutes before measuring blood pressure. Please make sure that the arm used doesn’t have a limb alarm or contraindications to blood pressure measurement, e.g. within the presence of lymphedema or dialysis fistula. The artery index of the blood pressure cuff ought to be centered above the brachial artery. Make sure the cuff matches snugly but is just not too tight or loose.

If you’re using a digital blood pressure monitor, press the Start button. When using a handheld sphygmomanometer, it will be significant to ascertain a goal cuff inflation pressure. With the fingers of 1 hand, touch the radial artery while rapidly inflating the cuff until the heartbeat disappears, and add 30 mmHg to this number to find out the goal pressure. Place the stethoscope diaphragm or bell over the brachial artery and quickly inflate the cuff to the goal pressure. Note the extent at which you hear faint Korotkoff sounds that increase in intensity over two beats. This measurement is systolic blood pressure. As the cuff deflates, the sounds will calm down after which disappear. This measurement is diastolic blood pressure.

To ensure greater accuracy, the blood pressure measurement ought to be repeated after a one-minute waiting period. Both readings ought to be averaged and recorded as blood pressure

Remember…

• Normal blood pressure is taken into account to be a systolic blood pressure of lower than 120 mmHg and a diastolic blood pressure of lower than 80 mmHg.
• Using the best size cuff is crucial for accurate blood pressure measurement.
• Differences in technique can result in inaccurate readings.

Bickley, L. S., Szilagyi, P. G., Hoffman, R. M., & Soriano, R. P. (2021). Bate’s guide to physical examination and interviewing (thirteenth ed.). Wolters Kluwer Health: Philadelphia.