Blood Pressure Basics
What is the normal range for systolic blood pressure in adults?
120 or below
What is the everyday English name for a sphygmomanometer?
blood pressure cuff
What should a nursing assistant do when a resident complains of pain?
tell the nurse and document
What are two benefits warm applications can provide?
relieve pain, reduce swelling, elevate temperature in tissues, and increase blood flow
Cold applications help stop ____________, prevent swelling, reduce pain, and bring down high fevers.
bleeding
High blood pressure may be categorized as elevated, stage 1 hypertensive, stage 2 hypertensive, or this most serious category ______________.
hypertensive crisis
We should not check blood pressure right after a resident has done what three things?
smoked, eaten food, drunk alcohol or fluids containing caffeine, or exercised
Is a resident's report of pain objective or subjective?
subjective
What is the maximum water temperature nursing assistants should ever use for therapeutic purposes?
105 Fahrenheit
Ice packs should never directly touch a resident's skin. Instead, the ice pack should be covered with a _________.
towel
What is the term for abnormally low blood pressure?
hypotension
How far above the elbow should the blood pressure cuff be placed?
1 inch to 1 1/2 inches
What are three reasons residents may not want to report or discuss their pain?
fear of addiction to pain medication, believing pain is normal with aging, worrying about constipation/fatigue from medication, feeling caregivers are too busy, or feeling too much medication causes death
When applying warm compresses or soaks, how often should the NA should check the area?
every 5 minutes
What three signs indicate tissue damage from warm or cold applications and must be reported immediately?
excessive redness, pain, blisters, numbness, pale/white/gray skin
Blood pressure is measured in what units?
millimeters of mercury (mm Hg)
Name three situations in which you should not take blood pressure on a particular arm?
an IV, dialysis shunt, medical equipment, cast, recent trauma, paralysis from stroke, burns, or mastectomy
What are six observable physical signs that may indicate a resident is experiencing pain?
tightening jaw, squeezing eyes shut, holding/guarding body part, clenching fists, frowning, grinding teeth, increased restlessness, agitation, crying, sighing, groaning, breathing heavily, rocking, pacing, repetitive movements, or difficulty moving/walking
What type of bath involves soaking the perineal area to promote healing?
sitz bath
Why are moist warm/cold applications more likely to cause injury than dry warm/cold applications?
Moisture intensifies the effect of warm and cold treatments.
What are four factors that can affect blood pressure levels in adults?
aging, exercise, stress, pain, medications, illness, obesity, alcohol intake, tobacco products, or volume of blood in circulation
Blood pressure cuffs are not only for arms. According to the book, a blood pressure cuff is also available for what other part of the body?
thigh
What are two physiological vital sign changes that may indicate pain and should be reported?
increased pulse, increased respirations, increased blood pressure, sweating, nausea, or vomiting
What is the maximum amount of time a warm application should be used?
20 minutes
How often should a cold application be checked?
What is the maximum time allowed for a cold application?
every 5 minutes
20 minutes total