How to Manually Check Blood Pressure

Introduction

• Presenter: Sarah Thread Sterner
• Topic: Demonstration on how to check blood pressure manually

Preliminary Steps

• Hand Hygiene: Always perform before starting.
• Gather Supplies:
  • Stethoscope
  • Manual blood pressure cuff

Preparing the Patient

• Ensure the patient is sitting down with arm at heart level, legs uncrossed.
• If the patient is lying in bed, ensure the arm is at heart level.

Equipment Preparation

• Choose the Correct Cuff Size: Using the wrong size can affect readings.

Procedure

1. Identify Brachial Artery:
   • Palpate to locate it in the arm’s bend.
   • It’s the artery used to derive blood pressure readings (systolic and diastolic numbers).
2. Position Cuff:
   • Place cuff about 2 inches above the bend of the arm.
   • Ensure the cuff arrow points toward the brachial artery.
3. Estimate Systolic Pressure:
   • Palpate brachial artery and inflate cuff until the artery is no longer felt.
   • Note the gauge reading at this point.
4. Inflate Cuff:
   • Inflate 30 mmHg over the estimated systolic pressure to avoid missing the auscultatory gap.
5. Taking the Measurement:
   • Use stethoscope (preferably the bell) over the brachial artery.
   • Inflate cuff to 30 mmHg above estimated systolic pressure.
   • Deflate cuff at 2 mmHg per second.
   • Listen for the first sound (systolic) and last sound (diastolic).
   • Example reading: 104/78 (systolic/diastolic)
6. Post-Measurement:
   • Fully deflate and remove cuff.
   • Clean cuff if non-disposable.
   • Document blood pressure and the arm used for measurement.

Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

• Normal: Systolic < 120 and Diastolic < 80
• Elevated: Systolic 120-129 and Diastolic < 80
• Hypertension Stage 1: Systolic 130-139 or Diastolic 80-89
• Hypertension Stage 2: Systolic > 140 or Diastolic > 90

Conclusion

• Thank you message and reminder to subscribe for more videos.