3. "mmHg" stands for millimeters of
mercury, and it is a unit of pressure
measurement. In the context of
blood pressure, it is used to
measure the pressure exerted by the
blood against the walls of arteries.
4. ◦Blood pressure is typically expressed as two
numbers, such as "120/80 mmHg." The first
number (120) represents the systolic blood
pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries
when the heart beats and pumps blood. The
second number (80) represents the diastolic
blood pressure, which is the pressure in the
arteries when the heart is at rest between
beats.
5. ◦The unit "mmHg" indicates that this
measurement is based on the height of a
column of mercury in a mercury-based
pressure gauge, which was historically
used in blood pressure measurement
devices.
7. Using a sphygmomanometer to measure
blood pressure typically involves the
following steps:
◦1. Prepare the equipment: - Ensure
the sphygmomanometer is in
working condition. - Check that the
cuff is the appropriate size for the
patient's arm. - Have a stethoscope
ready.
8. 2. Position the patient:
- Ask the patient to sit in a
comfortable, relaxed position
with their arm at heart level.
- Make sure they are not talking
or moving during the
measurement.
9. 3. Locate the brachial artery: - Feel for
the patient's brachial artery in the inner
elbow crease.
4. Apply the cuff: - Wrap the cuff around
the upper arm snugly, with the bottom
edge about an inch above the elbow
crease. - Secure it in place, ensuring it's
neither too tight nor too loose.
10. 5. Inflate the cuff:
- Close the valve on the bulb (if present)
to prevent air from escaping. - Use the
bulb to pump air into the cuff until the
pressure exceeds the expected systolic
pressure (typically around 160 mmHg). -
Slowly release the air by opening the
valve to allow it to deflate.
11. 6. Listen with the stethoscope: - Place the
stethoscope's diaphragm over the brachial
artery just below the cuff. - Use the earpieces
to listen for the heartbeat sounds.
7. Find the systolic pressure: - As you release
the air from the cuff, you will hear a tapping or
thumping sound. - Note the pressure reading
on the sphygmomanometer at which this
sound first occurs. This is the systolic
pressure.
12. 8. Find the diastolic pressure: - Continue
listening for the heartbeat sounds. - The
sounds will become muffled or disappear
completely as you further release the air
from the cuff. - Note the pressure reading
at which the sounds completely
disappear. This is the diastolic pressure.
13. 9. Record the blood pressure: - Once you
have both the systolic and diastolic pressures,
record them as "systolic/diastolic," e.g.,
"120/80 mmHg." 10. Deflate the cuff
completely: - Open the valve to release all the
air from the cuff. 11. Remove the cuff: -
Carefully remove the cuff from the patient's
arm.
14. 12. Inform the patient of the results and
document them accurately. Remember
that accuracy is crucial when measuring
blood pressure, so be sure to follow
these steps carefully. If you're not familiar
with using a sphygmomanometer, it's
advisable to receive training or
supervision from a medical professional.
