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Skill 04 (1) ..Blood Pressure
Skill 04 (1) ..Blood Pressure
b. Palpation: Continue to slowly release pressure until a 4. Wrap the extremity distal to the cuff with an elastic ban-
pulse is felt. This is the systolic pressure. The dias- dage. Begin with the finger or toes and progress to the
tolic pressure is recorded as P, e.g., 100/P. The sys- edge of the cuff. Forces blood out of extremity.
tolic pressure obtained by palpation is 5–10 mm Hg 5. Inflate the cuff to 150–200 mm Hg.
lower than that obtained by auscultation.
6. Remove elastic bandage. The hand or foot should
NOTE: If using a mercury manometer read at eye level. appear pale in color and exsanguinated.
Ensures accuracy. 7. Lower the pressure in the cuff by 5 mm Hg and leave
there for 3–4 seconds. Repeat process until flushing
11. Do not leave the cuff inflated for a prolonged period.
observed in the pale extremity, i.e., a sudden pink color
Inflated cuff is uncomfortable.
appears below the edge of the cuff and spreads distally.
12. Deflate the cuff rapidly and completely and remove
8. Reading is taken at point flushing appears. This is the
from the arm. Prevents discomfort (from numbness or
mean arterial pressure. To be accurate, an assistant is
tingling) and arterial occlusion.
needed to observe for flushing while you monitor the
13. Wait 2 minutes before taking another blood pressure. pressure gauge.
Releases blood trapped in vessels.
9. Repeat the procedure at least twice to confirm the read-
ing. Ensures more accurate reading.
BLOOD PRESSURE, ELECTRONIC
DOCUMENTATION
PROCEDURE
1. Blood pressure reading.
1. Steps 1–4 of General Guidelines.
2. Method used.
2. Set up machine according to instructions:
3. Site.
a. Plug in monitor/machine.
b. Connect dual air hose to back of monitor. 4. Size of cuff.
c. Connect correct size cuff by screwing the pressure 5. Who notified if findings of concern.
cuff’s tubing into the other end of the air hose.
3. Place cuff. (See step 5 of Blood Pressure, Auscultation
or Palpation.)
4. Turn machine on and follow manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Obtain reading.
6. Remove cuff.
PROCEDURE
1. Place infant in a recumbent position.
2. Apply cuff snugly and smoothly to distal arm, with outer
edge at the wrist or to the distal leg with the outer edge
at the ankle.
3. Elevate extremity above heart level. Facilitates flow of
blood out of extremity.
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