Vital Signs Healthcare Science Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved Vital Signs: Blood Pressure.
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© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved Vital Signs: Blood Vital Signs: Blood Pressure Pressure
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Transcript of © 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved Vital Signs: Blood Pressure.
© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
Vital Signs: Blood PressureVital Signs: Blood PressureVital Signs: Blood PressureVital Signs: Blood Pressure
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© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
Definition
The force at which blood is pumped against the walls of the arteries (mmHg)
Two pressure measurements Systolic pressure – measure of pressure when left
ventricle contracts
Diastolic pressure Measure of pressure when heart relaxes Minimum pressure exerted against the artery walls at all
times
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© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
Diastolic Pressure
Heart at rest Bottom or second number
Systolic Pressure
Contraction of left ventricle Top or first number
A Typical Reading
120/80
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Equipment to measure BP
Sphygmomanometer Inflatable cuff
Pressure bulb or other
device for inflating cuff
Manometer
Types of
sphygmomanometers
Aneroid
Electronic
Mercury
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© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
Aneroid sphygmomanometer
Circular gauge for registering pressure
Each line 2 mmHg
Very accurate
Must be checked, serviced, and calibrated every 3 to 6 months
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© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
Electronic Sphygmomanometers
Provides a digital readout of the blood pressure
Usually includes the pulse rate
No stethoscope is needed
Easy to use
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Mercury Sphygmomanometers
A column of mercury rises with an increased pressure as the cuff is inflated
No longer available for purchase
If in use, must be checked, serviced, and calibrated every6 to 12 months
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© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
Stethoscope
Amplifies body sounds Earpieces Binaurals and tubing Chestpiece
Bell – low-pitched sounds
Diaphragm – high-pitched sounds
Earpieces
Binaurals
Rubber or plastic tubing
Bell
Chestpiece
Diaphragm
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© 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
Measuring Blood Pressure
Place cuff on the upper arm above the brachial pulse site
Inflate cuff about 30 mmHg above estimated systolic pressure (palpatory result) or approximately 180 mmHg to 200 mmHg
Release the air in cuff and listen for the first heartbeat (systolic pressure) and the last heartbeat (diastolic pressure)
Record results with systolic as the top number and diastolic as the bottom number (i.e., 120/76)
