Manual Blood Pressures

Question 1

What is the first step when doing manual blood pressures?

Answer 1

Explain the procedure and obtain consent from the patient.

Question 2

What should we ask the patient before completing this procedure?

Answer 2

If they have any medical conditions that affect their BP and if they have any conditions that affect what arm the BP can be done on.

Question 3

What should we do about clothing?

Answer 3

Ensure the arm is free of restrictive clothing, do not apply the cuf over clothing if possible.

Question 4

What should you do about the cuff?

Answer 4

Apply the cuf which is the most appropriate size and apply just above the brachial artery.

Question 5

When do you stop inflating the cuf?

Answer 5

When you cannot feel the radial pulse - plus 20

Question 6

What do you do once you have inflated the cuf?

Answer 6

Place the stethascope firmly over the brachial artery, begin to deflate the cuff slowly. When you begin to hear the brachial pulse that is the systolic number, when the pulse goes again that is the dyastolic number.

Question 7

what must you make sure with the valve?

Answer 7

Ensure that the valve is closed when inflating the cuff, if not it will not inflate.