Handout+3

Blood Pressure Outline

1) Definition i) The measurement of pressure of blood that is exerted on the walls of arteries during various stages of heart activity. ii) Two different pressures iii) Measures in milligrams of mercury (a) Systolic – pressure when the left ventricle of the heart is contracting and pushing against the wall of the arteries. (b) Normal Ranges – 100 – 140 mm Hg (c) Diastolic – pressure is the constant pressure of the walls of the arteries when the left ventricle is at rest, between contractions. (d) Normal Ranges - 60 – 90 mm Hg iv) Pulse Pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic. Indicates of the health and tone of the arterial walls.  v) Pressure is recorded in fractions. Systolic on top and Diastolic on bottom (a) Ex 120/90 2) Equipments used to measure BP i) Stethoscope and sphygmomanometer ii) Different types of sphygmomanometers (a) Mercury, Aneroid Gauge, and Electronic  1. Different Cuff Size according to the pt. If use the incorrect size, can obtain an inaccurate reading.  (b) Important Factors to Remember when obtaining a B/P  1. Right Cuff  2. Clothing does not constrict arm and blood flow  3. Cuff in correct position and application  4. Gauge should be at heart level with palm of the hand up  5. Place stethoscope over the brachial artery at the antecubital space  6. Ear pieces should be pointed forward  7. Tubing not tangled  8. Cuff should be placed in the center of the upper arm and 1’ space above the antecubital area of the arm  9. Control the valve  10. Do not over inflate the cuff 4) Terminology of BP i) Hypertension – high BP ­ 140/90 Causes – stress, anxiety, obesity, high salt intake, age, kidney disease, thyroid deficiency and vascular conditions. ii) Hypotension – low BP ↓ 90/60 Causes – heart failure, dehydration, burns, hemorrhage and shock