OSCE Skills- Blood Pressure

Question 1

What do we use to measure blood pressure?

Answer 1

A sphygmomanometer

Question 2

Which artery is important?

Answer 2

The brachial artery

Question 3

What do we do first?

Answer 3

Disconnect the cuff and squeeze all of the air out

Question 4

Once it is reconnected?

Answer 4

Make sure it is the correct size for the patient

Question 5

How tight?

Answer 5

Enough to fit two fingers inside

Question 6

The cuff is on- now what?

Answer 6

Locate the brachial pulse and pump he cuff up until you can no longer feel a pulse.

Question 7

Why palpate?

Answer 7

To obtain a rough systolic BP

Question 8

How to make an accurate measurement?

Answer 8

Using your stethoscope- listen to the brachial and pump up the cuff to about 20 above the rough estimate. Let the air out slowly until you hear a tapping sound.

Question 9

Tapping sound?

Answer 9

The onset of this sound should be taken as the systolic pressure.

Question 10

The diastolic?

Answer 10

The diastolic is the point where you can no longer hear any noise. Can be difficult to distinguish.

Question 11

What should you warn the patient about beforehand?

Answer 11

Warn them that it may be a bit painful and to let you know if they experience excessive pain.