Korotkoff Sounds – The first audible sound occurs in systole, and the sound disappears in diastole

THIGH PRESSURE

- When BP measured at the arm is excessively high, particularly in adolescents and young adults,
compare it with thigh pressure to check for coarctation of the aorta( congenital form of
narrowing).
- Normally, the thigh pressure is higher than that in the arm. If possible, turn the person in the
prone position on the abdomen. ( If the person must remain in the supine position, bend the
knee slightly.)

COMMON ERRORS IN PRESSURE MANAGEMENT

1. Taking Blood pressure reading when person is anxious or angry or has just been active. Result
will be falsely high due to sympathetic nervous stimulation.
2. Faulty arm position:
Above level of the heart- Falsely low. Eliminates effect of hydrostatic pressure.
Below level of the heart- Falsely high . Additional force of gravity added to brachial artery
pressure.
3. Person supports arm – Falsely high diastolic. Sustained isometric muscular contraction.
4. Faulty leg position ( crossed leg) – Falsely high systolic and diastolic – Translocation of blood
volume from dependent legs to thoracic area.
5. Examiners haste – Error anywhere