How to Take Blood Pressure – Vital Signs Video Lesson

Blood Pressure (BP)

We hope this “How to take blood pressure video lesson” has been helpful for you. Blood pressure is an important, simple diagnostic measurement used by physicians worldwide. Blood pressure is the measurement of the force exerted on the walls of arteries. Normal blood pressure is considered to be anything below 120/80.

Hypertension (HTN) – high blood pressure, 140/90 or higher

Procedure

1. Greet patient, self-introduction.
2. Reconfirm name of patient for proper identification.
3. Wash hands according to proper handwashing technique.
4. Position patient with feet flat on floor and arm resting at heart level on table or lap
5. Explain procedure to patient; answer questions.
6. Bare upper arm, removing any constricting clothing.
7. Palpate brachial artery.
8. Securely center bladder of cuff over brachial artery about 2” above bend in elbow.
9. Palpate radial pulse and smoothly inflate cuff until pulse no longer felt, noting number.
10. Quickly deflate cuff and allow arm to rest for about 1 minute.
11. Calculate peak inflation level.
12. Make sure cuff is completely deflated.
13. Position stethoscope over brachial artery and hold in position with fingers only.
14. Inflate cuff smoothly and quickly to peak inflation level as previously noted.
15. Deflate cuff at rate of 2-4 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) per second.
16. Listen for Korotkoff Phase I; note when it appears.
17. Continue deflation, noting Korotkoff Phases.
18. Note when all sounds disappear, Korotkoff Phase V.
19. Continue deflating cuff at same rate for at least another 10 millimeters after sounds have disappeared.
20. Cuff may then be deflated quickly.
21. Remove cuff
22. Clean earpieces of stethoscope with alcohol wipes
23. Wash hands according to proper handwashing technique.
24. Record blood pressure results, systolic/diastolic.
25. Document procedure on patient record; including any variations to normal procedure.
26. Thank patient for time/ cooperation.