Taking a Measurement

11. Slowly open the air release valve by turning it counterclockwise. Release the air at a rate of 2 mmHg per second.

12. Listen carefully for your pulse beat. Watch the gauge needle. When you hear the first thumping sound note the reading on the gauge.

This is your SYSTOLIC blood pressure value.

13.When you no longer hear any sounds note the reading on the gauge. This is your DIASTOLIC blood pressure value.

14.Turn the air release valve counterclockwise to release the remainder of the air. Remove the stethoscope binaural from your ears. Remove the cuff from your arm. Record your reading in the Blood Pressure Log.

NOTE: If you make a mistake, do not immediately reinflate the cuff. Release all the air in the cuff.

Wait 5 minutes. The wait time allows the arteries to return to the condition prior to taking the blood pressure measurement.