Procedure Steps
What do you palpate before placing the cuff?
The brachial (or radial) pulse
The first audible Korotkoff sound corresponds to which pressure?
Systolic Pressure
Measuring over clothing causes readings to be generally higher or lower?
Higher.
Hypertension in adults is defined as systolic ≥ what mmHg?
130 mmHg.
Before placing the stethoscope on a patient, what should you do?
Clean diaphragm (and warm it).
How far above the elbow should the cuff be placed?
Approximately one inch (2-3 cm) above the antecubital crease
The disappearance of sounds corresponds to which pressure?
Diastolic Pressure
A cuff that is too small will typically make readings appear:
Higher than actual.
Hypotension may present with which two symptoms?
Dizziness and fainting
How often should you rotate the cuff if left on?
Every 2 hours.
At what approximate pressure do you initially inflate the cuff?
About 180mmHg
Which Korotkoff phase is often used to identify diastolic pressure in adults?
Phase V
Name one environmental factor that can interfere with listening for Korotkoff sounds.
Room noise, talking, or shivering.
Baseline 118/76 → now 160/98. Name two plausible causes
Stress, exercise, caffeine, incorrect cuff size, pain (any two).
Name two types of sphygmomanometers.
Manual aneroid, mercury, electronic (any two).
At what rate should you deflate the cuff?
2-4 mmHg per second
If sounds are muffled and hard to hear, name one corrective action.
reposition the diaphragm, ensure quiet environment, check cuff placement and size.
What should you do if you get an unexpectedly high reading?
Recheck BP, ensure proper technique, or try other arm.
Orthostatic hypotension is assessed in which positions?
Supine, sitting, standing.
Why must devices be checked for accuracy?
To prevent inaccurate readings and improper care
Name 3 items to document after taking blood pressure?
Reading, arm used, position, device type, time, initials.
True or False- the loudest Korotkoff sounds always equal the most accurate systolic reading.
False
When should you prefer manual measurement over electronic?
Suspected arrhythmia, unreliable device, confirm abnormal readings.
Create a one-sentence action plan for symptomatic BP 88/56 lying down.
Recheck, supine with legs elevated, assess, notify provider.
List three checks for an electronic BP unit before use.
Power/battery, tubing not kinked, correct cuff placement.