are written with the highest value first, then the lowest value. Readings of 120/80 are considered to be normal, with high blood pressure being defined as a systolic pressure which is 140mmHg or more at rest and a diastolic pressure which is 90mmHg or more at rest. Only a patient’s physician is qualified to determine whether the readings obtained are normal for that person.
Measuring blood pressure: Have the patient, while relaxed and in a sitting position, extend the arm from which the blood pressure will be taken to the front or laterally with the palm of the hand up.
Attach the cuff and diaphragm: Hold the end of the cuff containing the inflation bag firmly against the inside of the bare upper arm with the artery symbol positioned over the brachial artery. Never place the cuff over clothing. Pull the opposite end of the cuff snugly around the arm and secure the hook and loop fastener strips. The range lines, indicated by the arrows, show the correct cuff size when the cuff is placed on the arm. If the index line on the end of the cuff falls between the two range lines, the cuff is the proper size. If the index line falls outside the range lines, a larger or smaller cuff should be used. The cuff should be snug, but not too tight. If one or two fingers can fit between the cuff and the arm, the cuff is properly secured. Place the diaphragm of the stethoscope over the brachial artery inferior to the cuff.
Inflating the cuff: Close the bulb’s air valve by turning the air release valve clockwise. Squeeze the inflation bulb at a steady rate until the gauge’s needle points at approximately 30mmHg above the individual’s normal systolic pressure value. If the individual’s normal blood pressure is not known, it is recommended to inflate to 200mmHg.
Systolic blood pressure reading: Open the air release valve slowly by turning it
Labtron V223 Mobile Adjustable Aneroid Sphygmomanometer | 5 |
