1. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Unit 20 Blood Pressure

2. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Objectives Spell and define terms. Describe the factors that influence blood pressure. Identify the range of normal blood pressure values. Identify the causes of inaccurate blood pressure readings.

3. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Objectives Select the proper size blood pressure cuff. List precautions associated with use of the sphygmomanometer.

4. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Introduction Blood pressure –Is the fourth vital sign –It is the measure of the force of blood against the walls of the arteries

5. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Equipment Two items required for taking blood pressure are: –Sphygmomanometer –Stethoscope

6. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Measuring the Blood Pressure Blood pressure is usually measured in the upper arm over the brachial artery Blood pressure readings taken anywhere else must be ordered by a physician

7. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Measuring the Blood Pressure Some facilities prefer using the left arm for measuring the blood pressure if possible –It is closest to the heart

8. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Obtaining an Accurate Value Make sure the needle is on zero before inflating the cuff on the aneroid sphygmomanometer Keep the mercury gauge upright –Make sure it is not tilted

9. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Obtaining an Accurate Value Take the reading at eye level Aneroid gauge (left) Mercury gauge (right) Take the reading at the closest line Refer to Figure 20-6

10. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Obtaining an Accurate Value

11. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Normal Blood Pressure Values by Age AgeApproximate Blood Pressure Value SystolicDiastolic 2-6 months 9150 to 53 7-11 months 9047 + age in months 1-5 years 90 + age in years56 6-18 years 83 + (2 × age in years) 52 + age in years Over age 18 12080

12. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Blood Pressure Categories Blood Pressure Level (mmHg) CategorySystolicDiastolic Normal <120and<80 Prehypertension 120-139or80-89 High Blood Pressure Stage I Hypertension 140-159or90-99 Stage II Hypertension ≥160or≥100

13. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Blood Pressure Categories Legend < Means Less Than ≥ Means Greater Than or Equal to

14. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Blood Pressure Categories When systolic and diastolic values are in different categories –Higher category is used to classify blood pressure –For example, 160/80 mmHg is stage 2 hypertension

15. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Infection Control Clean the manual or electronic blood pressure cuff and tubing –Use a facility-approved disinfectant after each patient In some facilities –A disposable cuff is issued to each patient and used throughout the hospital stay

16. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Infection Control Some facilities cover the cuff with a disposable sleeve –Changed for each patient