Ward's World Activity Guides

Page 1 How to Take Blood Pressure Information compiled by American Diagnostic Corporation (ADC) Patient Positioning: The patient should sit or lie comfortably. The arm should be fully supported on a flat surface at heart level. (If the arm's position varies or is not level with the heart, measurement values obtained will not be consistent with the patient's true blood pressure). When seated, the patient should: • have his or her back and arm supported, and legs should be uncrossed • relax comfortably for five minutes prior to the measurement being taken • refrain from talking or moving during measurement The observer should view the manometer in a direct line to avoid "parallax error". Application of the Cuff: ADCUFF™ nylon cuffs are specially designed to promote the precise and accurate determination of blood pressure. Index and range markings ensure use of the correct cuff size. The artery mark indicates proper cuff positioning. • Place the cuff over the bare upper arm with the artery mark positioned directly over the brachial artery. • The bottom edge of the cuff should be positioned approximately one inch (2–3 cm) above the antecubital fold. • Wrap the end of the cuff not containing the bladder around the arm snugly and smoothly and engage adhesive strips. To verify a correct fit, check that the Index Line falls between the two Range Lines. Cuff Inflation: Close the ADFLOW™ valve by turning thumbscrew clockwise. Palpate the radial artery while inflating the cuff. Be sure to inflate cuff quickly by squeezing bulb rapidly. Inflate cuff 20–30 mmHg above the point at which the radial pulse disappears. Positioning the Stethoscope: Position the chestpiece in the antecubital space below the cuff, distal to the brachium. Do not place chestpiece underneath the cuff, as this impedes accurate measurement. Use the bell side of a combination stethoscope for clearest detection of the low pitched Korotkoff (pulse) sounds. Deflate the Cuff: 1. Open the valve to deflate the cuff gradually at a rate of 2–3 mmHg per second. 2. Record the onset of Korotkoff sounds as the systolic pressure, and the disappearance of these sounds as diastolic pressure. (Some healthcare professionals recommend recording diastolic 1 and diastolic 2. Diastolic one occurs at phase 4). Note: It is recommended that K4 be used in children aged 3 to 12, and K5 should be used for pregnant female patients unless sounds are audible with the cuff deflated, in which case K4 should be used. K5 should be used for all other adult patients. After measurement is completed, open valve fully to release any remaining air in the cuff and remove the cuff. Do not leave the cuff on the patient for an extended period of time. + ward ' s science Range markings are part of the ADCUFF™ system. Using an inappropriately sized cuff can affect blood pressure readings. The correct positioning of the cuff, as shown by the Artery Mark, and stethoscope for optimal measurement.

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