Blood Pressure Measurement

What Does Blood Pressure Measure?

Blood Pressure Measurement primarily monitors two variables: systolic pressure and diastolic pressure.

• Systolic pressure is the force exerted on the artery walls when the heart contracts and pushes blood out.
• Diastolic pressure is the force exerted on the artery walls when the heart rests between beats.

Instruments Used for Blood Pressure Measurement

The most commonly used instrument for measuring blood pressure is the sphygmomanometer. It is a device that includes an air pump, a pressure dial, and a cuff that wraps around the patient's arm. Automatic, digital, and manual versions of this device are available.

Unit for Blood Pressure Measurement

The standard unit for Blood Pressure Measurement is millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). This unit originated from the use of mercury in the first accurate pressure gauges and it continues to be used today due to its convenient properties. It is universally recognized and used in health care fields and research.

How to Measure Blood Pressure

Accurate Blood Pressure Measurement is a crucial part of assessing a patient's cardiovascular health. If you're a nursing student, mastering this technique is non-negotiable. This segment will provide an overview of the Blood Pressure Measurement technique as well as a detailed, step-by-step guide to measuring Blood Pressure using a Sphygmomanometer for accurate results.

Overview of the Blood Pressure Measurement Technique

Blood pressure measurement has a fairly simple technique once understood. It involves a cuff that’s inflated to compress the brachial artery of the arm, temporarily stopping the blood flow. Then, the cuff's pressure is slowly released, allowing the blood flow to resume with blood jetting out in spurts, producing rhythmic sounds known as 'Korotkoff sounds'.

These sounds effectively divide the measurement technique into two phases:

• The first phase represents the initiation of the Korotkoff sounds, indicating the resumption of blood flow, showing the systolic pressure.
• The fifth phase, when the Korotkoff sounds disappear, shows the diastolic pressure.

Step-by-step Guide: How to Measure Blood Pressure with a Sphygmomanometer

The technique of blood pressure measurement with a sphygmomanometer is simple but involves a careful step-by-step process to ensure accurate results. Follow these steps diligently when taking blood pressure readings:

1. Ensure the patient is relaxed and is seated comfortably with legs uncrossed, and back and arm supported.
2. Wrap the Sphygmomanometer cuff around the patient's arm at heart level, ensuring that the lower edge of the cuff is one inch (or approximately 2.5 cm) above the crease of the elbow.
3. Inflate the cuff quickly to 180 mm Hg or 30 mm Hg higher than the patient's usual systolic pressure if known.
4. Place your stethoscope's flat disk (the diaphragm) directly below the cuff on the crease of the elbow where the brachial artery runs.
5. Slowly let the air out of the cuff while listening through the stethoscope. Note the point at which the first heartbeat is heard - this will give you the systolic pressure.
6. Continue listening until the heartbeat sound disappears completely. This point will give you the diastolic pressure.
7. Document the readings accurately and promptly, ensuring to include the arm used and the position of the patient at the time of measurement.

Proper positioning for accurate blood pressure measurement

Proper positioning is critical for accurate blood pressure measurement. The patient should be seated comfortably with the back and arm supported. The patient's arm should be raised to the heart level, and the cuff should be wrapped firmly but not too tightly around the arm, one inch above the elbow crease. If the arm is too high, the reading may be falsely low, and if it is too low, the reading may be falsely high. Therefore, accurate positioning is key to obtaining reliable readings.

The Nursing Role in Blood Pressure Management

In the field of nursing, it's essential to recognise that nurses play a pivotal role in managing a patient's blood pressure. Not only do they measure blood pressure accurately, but they are also instrumental in educating patients, interpreting data, identifying fluctuating readings, and working alongside doctors to implement effective treatment plans. This part of healthcare significantly impacts patient outcomes, especially in managing conditions such as hypertension.

Key Responsibilities of Nurses in Blood Pressure Management

Nurses are entrusted with multiple responsibilities when it comes to blood pressure management. They assist in assessing the patient's condition, planning necessary actions, administering correct medications, interpreting data, educating patients, and communicating vital data to doctors. They provide a sense of security and comfort in their extensive role.

Importance of regular blood pressure checks for patients

Regular blood pressure checks are of utmost importance for all patients, especially those diagnosed with hypertension or at high risk for cardiovascular diseases. Regular checks allow early detection of high blood pressure, helping to implement timely and appropriate interventions and medication changes, preventing possible complications like heart attack or stroke.

Managing patient anxiety during blood pressure measurement

Nurses have a vital role in managing patient anxiety during blood pressure measurements. Elevated stress and anxiety levels can lead to inaccurate blood pressure readings, a phenomenon known as 'white coat syndrome'. It refers to the tendency for some people to exhibit blood pressure above the normal range, in a clinical setting, due to anxiety.

To mitigate anxiety, nurses can create a comfortable and calm environment. They should also explain the procedure to the patient, assure them that it's painless, and allow them a few minutes to relax before starting the measurement. Breathing exercises can also help reduce anxiety levels.