1. BLOOD PRESSURE VITAL SIGNS

2. BLOOD PRESSURE Measurement of the pressure the blood exerts on the arterial wall 2 types of BP measurement Systolic = pressure in the arterial wall as the left ventricle contracts Diastolic = pressure in the arterial wall when the left ventricle is at rest

3. MEASUREMENTS Systolic range = 100 to 140 mm Hg Diastolic range = 60 to 90 mm Hg BP = Systolic / Diastolic Average adult BP = 120/80

4. TERMS Hypertension (High blood pressure) 140/90 Causes: Obesity High salt diet / High fat diet Aging Heart / Kidney disease Hypotension (Low blood pressure) 100/60 Causes Heart failure Dehydration Severe burns Hemorrhage / Shock

5. INSTRUCTIONS The cuff must line up with the brachial artery The cuff must be snug on the arm Feel for the brachial pulse – put your stethoscope over that site Do not pump up the cuff higher than 140 Slowly let the air out – the first beat you hear is the systolic # When you do not hear to beat any longer that is the diastolic #