Today our topic of discussion is Procedure of Blood Pressure.
Procedure of Blood Pressure
- Wash hands
- Take the equipment to the bedside Apply deflated cuff evenly with rubber bladder over the brachial artery, the lower edge being “2” inch above the antecubital fossa. The two tubes turning towards the palm.
- Palpate the brachial artery with the finger tips. Place the bell of the stethoscope on the brachial pulse. The stethoscope must hang freely from the ears . Close the valve on the pump by turning the knob clockwise. Pump up air in the cuff until the sphygmomanometer registers about 20 mm above the point at which the radial pulsation disappears.
- Open the valve slowly by turning the knob anti. clockwise. Permit the air to escape very slowly. Note the number on the manometer where sound first begins. This is the systolic pressure.
- Continue to release the pressure slowly. The sound become louder and clearer. Note the point on the manometer where the sound ceases. This is the diastolic pressure.
- Allow the air to escape and the mercury to fall zero. Wait for one minute with the cuff deflated.
- Repeat the procedure if there is any doubts about the reading Do not take blood pressure more than three times in succession on reading the same arm.
After Care
- Remove the cuff by rolling it and replace it in the box
- Assist the patient to cover the arm which was exposed
- Take the apparatus to the duty room and keep it safely in the cupboard
- Wash hands and record the readings immediately, with the date and time
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