Hospital and Telephone Triage

91 videos, 4 hours and 28 minutes

Course Content

Blood pressure

Video 30 of 91
6 min 26 sec
English
English
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Blood Pressure Assessment: Procedure and Considerations

Introduction

Before taking your blood pressure, let's ensure proper preparation and understanding of the process.

Preparation

  • Confirm patient consent and readiness.
  • Ensure hands are washed and gloves are worn.
  • Verify equipment cleanliness.

Procedure

Begin by selecting the appropriate arm and cuff size for accurate readings.

Arm Selection:

  • Use the left arm due to optimal arterial configuration.
  • Consider alternatives for patients with specific arm conditions or injuries.

Cuff Size:

  • The cuff should cover at least 80% of the upper arm's distance between the axilla and elbow.
  • The inflatable portion should cover at least 40% of the upper arm's circumference.

Placement:

  • Position the cuff snugly on the arm, ensuring direct contact with the skin.
  • Align the cuff arrow with the brachial artery for accurate measurement.

Execution:

  • Inflate the cuff and maintain arm position at heart level.
  • Avoid arm movement during measurement to prevent erroneous readings.

Considerations

  • Monitor cuff tightness, especially in elderly patients or those on blood thinners.
  • Account for individual factors such as age, medication, and medical history.

Interpretation

Review the displayed blood pressure readings, focusing on systolic and diastolic values.

Systolic (Top Number):

  • Represents heart contraction force against arterial walls.

Diastolic (Bottom Number):

  • Indicates heart relaxation between beats.

Conclusion

Remember, blood pressure assessment is part of a comprehensive evaluation, considering various factors to derive accurate insights into a patient's health.