How to Take a Blood Pressure Module 1

Objectives By the end of Module 1, students will be able to: 1.Complete a 1-step method of taking a blood pressure; 2.Interpret Korotkoff sounds; 3.Analyze blood pressure readings.

Instructions: 1.Read the step-by-step procedure; 2.Watch the video; 3.Practice listening to Korotkoff sounds & determining values; 4.Analyze the significance of blood pressure values; 5.Do the “Test Your Knowledge Quiz.”

Read: Step-by-Step General Procedure Procedure (steps 1-5) 1.Choose the right equipment 2.Prepare the patient 3.Choose proper cuff size 4.Place the cuff on the patient’s arm 5.Position the stethoscope Procedure (steps 6-10) 6. Inflate the cuff 7. Slowly (3 mm/sec) deflate the cuff 8. Listen for the systolic reading (first) 9. Listen for the diastolic reading (last) 10. Double check for accuracy (wait 5-minutes before retake)

Watch: Training Day-How to Measure a Blood Pressure Video

Practice: Listening to Korotkoff (“k-sounds”) & Determining Values Click on the sphygmomanometer for practice # 1 video Listen to the first and last sound to determine the systolic and diastolic values. Write down the b/p values by practice number. Click on the new sphygmo dial for additional practice. There are 15- practice attempts. Enjoy !

Analyze: What Does it Mean?

Test Your Knowledge Question # 1 The site used to auscultate blood pressure is the: a.Radial b.Ulnar c.Brachial d.Temporal Question # 2 High blood pressure in adults is defined as a consistently elevated blood pressure of : a. 150 /90 mm Hg b. 140/90 mm Hg c.170/60 mm Hg d.120/80 mm Hg Question # 3 It is important to have the appropriate cuff size when taking the blood pressure. What error may result from a cuff that is too large or too small? a) An incorrect reading b) Injury to the patient c) Prolonged pressure on the arm d) Loss of Korotkoff sounds