Blood Pressure Measurement Tutorial

Introduction

• Focus on checking blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer (blood pressure cuff).
• Importance of knowing how to read the device before checking blood pressure.

Equipment Preparation

• Sphygmomanometer: Ensure you can read the device accurately.
• Stethoscope:
  • Test by tapping on the diaphragm; should be loud enough to make you jump.
  • Ensure it is turned on by twisting.

Procedure for Measuring Blood Pressure

Initial Setup

• Use the same arm consistently (left arm used in the demonstration).
• Align the artery marker on the cuff with the brachial artery.
• Ensure the cuff is snug but not too tight.

Measuring Steps

1. Cuff Placement: Wrap the cuff snugly around the arm aligning with the brachial artery.
2. Stethoscope Placement: Place diaphragm on the brachial artery where the pulse is felt.
3. Inflation:
   • Use the "righty tighty, lefty loosey" method to manage the bulb.
   • Tighten the bulb by twisting to the right.
4. Listening:
   • Avoid using the thumb to hold as it has its own pulse.
   • Listen for the first sound (systolic pressure/top number).
   • Continue to listen for when the sound disappears (diastolic pressure/bottom number).
5. Reading:
   • Inflate to around 180 mmHg.
   • Slowly release air to find systolic and diastolic readings.
   • Example reading: Systolic at 104, Diastolic at 70.

Reading the Sphygmomanometer

• Bold Lines: Read in tens (e.g., 20, 30, 40...)
• Small Lines: Read in twos (e.g., 62, 64, 66...)
• Importance of knowing how to read quickly and accurately.

Practice and Skill Development

• Practice is critical; some learn quickly, others take time.
• Recommendation to purchase a home blood pressure kit (~$25 on Amazon).
• Practice on family members to gain confidence and speed.

Conclusion

• Accuracy in blood pressure readings is essential for medical assistants.
• Encouragement for those struggling with learning this skill.
• Availability of different cuff colors and set linked for purchase.

Additional Resources

• Links to other related videos and tutorials.
• Contact information for questions and further assistance.