Procedure Steps
What is the proper hand action before touching a patient to begin the procedure?
Wash hands or use hand sanitizer
Which sound characteristic indicates the first Korotkoff sound (systolic) — tapping, swooshing, or silence?
Tapping (or clear tapping/knocking sound).
If the tubing between cuff and device is kinked, how will that likely affect the measurement?
It may prevent proper inflation/deflation and give an inaccurate or failed reading.
For an adult with BP reading 128/82, which number is in the hypertensive range per systolic/diastolic thresholds?
Diastolic (82) — because diastolic ≥ 80 meets the threshold for hypertension per the referenced guideline.
Name one disposable item you may use to reduce cross‑contamination when measuring BP.
Disposable paper cuff cover (or disposable cuff sleeve
What should you do to the bed or examining table before taking BP if the patient is in bed?
Lock the bed wheels and raise the bed to hip level (or position for clear view).
What is the term for the quieter sound phase between the loud phases (sometimes present)?
Korotkoff phase III (sometimes described as softer/less crisp sounds)
What error occurs if the patient’s arm is hanging below heart level?
The reading may be falsely high because the arm is below heart level.
A teen’s recorded BP is 96/62. Is this within the average range given in the chapter?
Yes (teenager average range listed is about 94–134/64–8494–134/64–84 — diastolic slightly low but within typical variation).
After using a cuff on an arm with visible skin irritation, what should you do before reusing on another patient?
Clean/disinfect the cuff thoroughly or use a disposable cover; do not reuse without proper cleaning.
When placing the stethoscope earpieces, which direction should they point relative to your ear?
Forward (pointing toward the nose) so they align with ear canals.
In very noisy environments, what alternate method can you use to estimate systolic pressure before auscultation?
Palpation method (palpate radial pulse, inflate cuff until pulse disappears, note that pressure as approximate systolic).
Name one sign that an aneroid sphygmomanometer needs recalibration.
The needle does not return to zero at rest, or repeated known-pressure checks give inconsistent readings.
A patient complains of dizziness on standing and their sitting BP is 120/78, standing BP later is 92/56. What condition does this suggest?
Orthostatic (postural) hypotension.
What is a quick pre-use check you can perform on a manual sphygmomanometer before measuring?
Ensure the valve turns smoothly, the bulb inflates the bladder, and the gauge reads zero when deflated.
If the patient prefers an arm, what is the best practice before measuring?
Ask the patient which arm they prefer (if appropriate) and use that arm unless contraindicated.
True or False — For children, diastolic pressure is sometimes determined at phase IV instead of phase V.
True (in some pediatric cases phase IV may be used).
If you hear irregular Korotkoff sounds and suspect an arrhythmia, what is a sensible next step?
Repeat measurement, try electronic device with arrhythmia detection, and notify instructor/provider as needed.
A patient’s baseline BP is 110/70. After taking a prescribed stimulant medication, the measured BP is 150/96. List two likely interpretations or actions.
Possible medication effect causing hypertension; recheck, assess symptoms, notify provider, and consider medication review.
How should you store cuffs and stethoscopes to prolong lifespan and prevent contamination?
Store in clean, dry cases or wall mounts; keep stethoscopes hung or in protective pouches; avoid high-humidity areas; clean regularly.
List the sequence of steps immediately after you finish listening and recording the BP (three actions).
Remove stethoscope earpieces, completely deflate and remove cuff, document the reading and report abnormal results.
Explain why Korotkoff sounds might reappear after they have disappeared during deflation (clinical or technical reason).
Possible causes: cuff deflation not steady, patient movement, arrhythmia, or intermittent arterial flow; technical causes include cuff slip or stethoscope displacement.
Describe two ways improper patient behavior can alter a BP reading and how to correct them.
Examples — talking (increases BP): ask patient to remain silent; crossing legs (increases BP): have patient uncross legs and rest both feet flat.
You measure BP of 136/84 in an adult who is asymptomatic. According to thresholds, how would you classify and what counseling or next steps are appropriate?
his is elevated / stage 1 hypertension-range (systolic ≥130 or diastolic ≥80); advise lifestyle counseling, consider repeat measurements, and follow facility protocol for reporting and follow-up.
List three pieces of information to report if a BP device is malfunctioning.
Device ID or serial number, nature of malfunction (e.g., gauge not returning to zero, leakage), date/time and the checks performed before reporting.