Taking Blood Pressure Flashcards
What is the name of the tool used to measure BP ?
Sphygmomanometer
What is the antecubital fossa ?
The elbow pit
What is auscultation ?
Listening to sounds of heart/lungs/other organs using a stethoscope
What is pulse pressure
The difference between systolic and diastolic Pressure data
What are Korotkoff sounds?
Sounds heard when taking BP
How may BP be taken invasively ?
Using a cannula inserted into the artery and connected to a monitoring device
What is the unit for BP measurements ?
mmHg
What is normal BP?
100-120/60-80
Describe the five Korotkoff sounds
K1 (only systolic pressure exceeds cuff pressure so sharp thud)
K2 (flow less turbulent so loud blow)
K3 (flow even less turbulent, soft thud)
K4 (soft blowing sound)
K5 (silent as blood returns from turbulent to laminar flow, reflects diastolic P)
Which other information should be included ?
Name of the patient, DOB, date and time, your initials
What is meant by Bradycardia and Tachycardia ?
Under 60 and over 100 beats per minute respectively
What are possible causes of Tachycardia in healthy adult ?
Exercise, fear
What is an ectopic heartbeat ?
“Ectopic beats are early (premature) or extra
heartbeats, which can cause you to have
palpitations. Ectopic beats happen when cells away from your hearts own natural pacemaker get a little excited
(or irritable) and release an electrical signal, causing
an ‘extra’ or early heartbeat. There is often a tiny
pause after the extra beat, giving you the sensation
of a ‘missed’ beat’” (British Heart Foundation). Most common types are PAC and PVC.
Why does the correct cuff size matter?
Too small a cuff will generate results that are too high while too large cuffs will generate results that are too low.
Why does the arm need to be supported during BP measurements ?
So that it remains at the same level as the heart (if below level of the heart, this may lead to results that are too high and vice versa).
