How to Take a Manual Blood Pressure

Introduction

• Video tutorial on taking manual blood pressure
• Shout out to PinkCubs1 for suggesting the video
• Encouragement to subscribe for more nursing-related content

Equipment Needed

• Stethoscope
• Manual Blood Pressure Cuff with a sphygmomanometer (referred to as "dial")

Steps to Take Manual Blood Pressure

Finding the Brachial Artery

• Located at the elbow (antecubital fossa), midline
• Easier to find in healthy individuals, harder in overweight/elderly

Using the Sphygmomanometer (Dial)

• Dial ranges from 20 to 300 mmHg
• Pump to 10-20 mmHg above estimated systolic

Estimating Systolic Pressure

• Find radial pulse (located on the wrist)
• Arm should be straight
• Procedure:
  • Pump bulb
  • Note when radial pulse disappears (estimated systolic)
  • Release and note when pulse reappears (expected systolic)

Operating the Pressure Valve

• Control with dominant hand
• Closed: Towards you; Open: Away from you
• Important to remember valve position to avoid errors

Positioning the Blood Pressure Cuff

• Line cuff with brachial artery
• Place cuff about two fingers above elbow crease

Taking Blood Pressure

Visual and Audio Assessment

• Use both stethoscope and dial

Procedure

• Place stethoscope on brachial artery
• Close valve towards you
• Pump bulb to 10-20 mmHg above expected systolic
• Release slowly
• Reading:
  • First sound heard: Systolic pressure
  • Last sound heard: Diastolic pressure

Practical Demonstration

• Example using a volunteer
• Estimated systolic determined from radial pulse cessation
• Demonstrated expected measurements and adjustments

Practice and Encouragement

• Practice on a volunteer (in this case, the speaker's husband)
• Encouragement to listen and practice for improvement

Conclusion

• Manual blood pressure measurement requires practice but becomes easier
• Encouragement to ask questions or suggest video topics
• Reminder: "Listen with your heart"