Checking blood pressure manually involves using a blood pressure cuff and a stethoscope. Here's a step-by-step guide based on the provided YouTube video reference:
Steps for Manually Checking Blood Pressure
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Prepare the Equipment:
- You'll need a manual blood pressure cuff and a stethoscope.
- Crucially, ensure the cuff is the correct size for the patient's arm. As the reference video notes, using a cuff that is too big or too small can skew the readings.
- Using a properly sized cuff is essential for an accurate BP reading.
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Position the Patient:
- Have the patient sit comfortably with their arm supported at heart level.
- Ensure the patient's arm is relaxed.
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Apply the Cuff:
- Wrap the cuff snugly around the upper arm, about an inch above the elbow.
- Make sure the bladder of the cuff is positioned over the brachial artery.
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Locate the Brachial Artery:
- Use your fingertips to feel for the pulse of the brachial artery in the bend of the elbow. This is where you will place the stethoscope.
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Place the Stethoscope:
- Place the stethoscope earpieces in your ears and place the diaphragm (flat side) of the stethoscope over the brachial artery.
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Inflate the Cuff:
- Begin inflating the cuff using the hand bulb.
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Listen for Korotkoff Sounds:
- As you inflate the cuff, pay close attention through the stethoscope. You will not hear sounds when the cuff pressure is above the patient's systolic pressure.
- Slowly release the air from the cuff by turning the valve on the hand bulb.
- The first clear tapping sound is the systolic pressure. Continue releasing slowly.
- The point where the tapping sound disappears or changes is the diastolic pressure.
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Record the Readings:
- Record both the systolic and diastolic readings. For example, 120/80 is a common reading, with 120 being systolic and 80 being diastolic.
Key Takeaways:
- Correct Cuff Size Matters: Using the wrong size cuff will result in an inaccurate reading.
- Proper Placement of the Stethoscope: Locate the brachial artery for accurate sound detection.
- Slow Air Release: Release air gradually to identify the systolic and diastolic sounds clearly.
