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How to measure Bloodpressure

1. Initially, ensure that you have allthe necessary equipment. This is asphygmomanometer, a stethoscope

and hand cleaning gel.

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2. It is important when measuringblood pressure to build a rapport withyour patient so as to prevent 'White

Coat Syndrome' which may give youan inaccurately high reading.Therefore, ensure you introduceyourself to the patient, explain theprocedure answering any questions

they may have, and ask for theirconsent. You should also explain tothem that they may feel somediscomfort as you inflate the cuff, butthat this will be short-lived. Makesure they are sitting comfortably,with their arm rested.

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3. Next, as with all clinicalprocedures, it is vital that youwash your hands with alcohol rub.

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4. You should ensure that you havethe correct cuff size for your

patient. A different cuff size maybe required for obese patients andchildren.

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5. Wrap the cuff around thepatient's upper arm ensuring the

arrow is in line with the brachialartery. This should be determinedby feeling the brachial pulse.

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6. Next you need to determine arough value for the systolic blood

pressure. This can be done bypalpating the brachial or radialpulse and inflating the cuff untilthe pulse can no longer be felt.

The reading at this point should benoted and the cuff deflated.

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7. Now that you have a rough value, thetrue value can be measured. Place thediaphragm of your stethoscope over

the brachial artery and re-inflate thecuff to 20-30 mmHg higher than theestimated value taken before. Thendeflate the cuff at 2-3 mmHg persecond until you hear the first

Korotkov sound - this is the systolicblood pressure. Continue to deflatethe cuff until the sounds disappear,the 5th Korotokov sound - this is thediastolic blood pressure.

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8. If the blood pressure is greater

than 140/90, you should wait for 1minute and re-check.

9. Furthermore, you should explain toyour examiner that you would wantto check the blood pressurestanding to check for a significantdrop (>20 mmHg after 2 minutes).

This would suggest a posturalhypotension.

10. Finally, you should give thereading to the patient and thank

them.