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Vital Signs: Blood Pressure

Vital Signs: Blood Pressure. Definition. The force at which blood is pumped against the walls of the arteries (mmHg) Two pressure measurements Systolic pressure – measure of pressure when left ventricle contracts Diastolic pressure Measure of pressure when heart relaxes

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Vital Signs: Blood Pressure

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  1. Vital Signs: Blood Pressure

  2. Definition • The force at which blood is pumped against the walls of the arteries (mmHg) • Two pressure measurements • Systolic pressure – measure of pressure when left ventricle contracts • Diastolic pressure • Measure of pressure when heart relaxes • Minimum pressure exerted against the artery walls at all times

  3. A Typical Reading Systolic Pressure Diastolic Pressure • Contraction of left ventricle • Top or first number • Heart at rest • Bottom or second number 120/80

  4. Sphygmomanometer Inflatable cuff Pressure bulb or other device for inflating cuff Manometer Types of sphygmomanometers Aneroid Electronic Mercury Equipment to measure BP

  5. Aneroid sphygmomanometer • Circular gauge for registering pressure • Each line 2 mmHg • Very accurate • Must be checked, serviced, and calibrated every 3 to 6 months

  6. Electronic Sphygmomanometers • Provides a digital readout of the blood pressure • Usually includes the pulse rate • No stethoscope is needed • Easy to use

  7. Mercury Sphygmomanometers • A column of mercury rises with an increased pressure as the cuff is inflated • No longer available for purchase • If in use, must be checked, serviced, and calibrated every6 to 12 months

  8. Earpieces Binaurals Rubber or plastic tubing Bell Chestpiece Diaphragm Stethoscope • Amplifies body sounds • Earpieces • Binaurals and tubing • Chestpiece • Bell – low-pitched sounds • Diaphragm – high-pitched sounds

  9. Measuring Blood Pressure • Place cuff on the upper arm above the brachial pulse site • Inflate cuff about 30 mmHg above estimated systolic pressure (palpatory result) or approximately 180 mmHg to 200 mmHg • Release the air in cuff and listen for the first heartbeat (systolic pressure) and the last heartbeat (diastolic pressure) • Record results with systolic as the top number and diastolic as the bottom number (i.e., 120/76)

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