blood pressure Flashcards
how is blood pressure measured?
measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg)
systolic pressure (maximum blood pressure)
diastolic pressure (minimum blood pressure)
how do you calculate pulse pressure?
subtract systolic by diastolic
what factors affect arterial blood pressure?
cardiac output
peripheral resistance
blood volume
viscosity
elasticity
define peripheral resistance
plaque build up within blood vessels
korotkoff sounds
phase 1
sharp thump
phase 2
a blowing or whooshing sound
phase 3
a crisp intense tapping
phase 4
a softer blowing sound that fades
phase 5
silence
equipment
cuff (40% of circumference)
sphygmomanometer
stethoscope
factors influencing blood pressure
age
stress
ethnicity
gender
daily variation
medications
activity, weight
smoking
step by step
determine proper cuff size and site
position arm at heart level, palm up
wrap cuff around upper arm
place stethoscope in ears and close valve
inflate cuff to 30 mmHg above baseline
slowly release pressure bulb
note first clear sound
note when sound disappears
record reading
whats an ideal environment for obtaining a blood pressure
quiet room, comfortable temperature
sitting is preferred position
record in both arms initially
same arm every reading if possible
avoid sites with IV fluids
rest at least 5 minute before assessing
ask patient not to speak
what happens during hypertension
major factor would be an underlying stroke
thickening of walls
loss of elasticity
family history
risk factors
frequently shows no symptoms though
what are symptoms of hypotension?
skin mottling
clamminess
confusion
increased heart rate
decreased urine output
what occurs within the heart during hypotension?
dilation of blood volume
loss of blood volume
decrease of blood flow to vital organs
SBP <90mmHg
orthostatic/postural
what are some alternate blood pressure sites
thigh
will measure 10-40mmHg higher systolically
arterial line
