Safety. – The blood pressure should be recorded to the nearest 2mmHg – to maintain accuracy. – Nurses should wash their hands thoroughly between patients to eliminate the risk of cross infection . – The correct size cuff should be used – the wrong size cuff will lead to an inaccurate measurements.
Why is it important for nurses to take blood pressure?
Introduction. Blood pressure (BP) measurement is a commonly performed procedure in most healthcare settings, and provides essential information to aid diagnosis and monitoring. It is vital that measurement gives accurate results to ensure patients receive the correct treatment and care in a timely manner.
What precautions do we need to consider when taking BP on a patient?
- Don’t eat or drink anything 30 minutes before you take your blood pressure.
- Empty your bladder before your reading.
- Sit in a comfortable chair with your back supported for at least 5 minutes before your reading.
- Put both feet flat on the ground and keep your legs uncrossed.
When taking blood pressure How should the nurse position the patient and which arm should be used?
Patient Positioning:
When seated, the patient should have his or her back and arm supported , and legs should be uncrossed. The patient should relax comfortably for five minutes prior to the measurement being taken, and should refrain from talking or moving during measurement.
What do nurses do when blood pressure is high?
Today the roles of nurses and nurse practitioners (NPs) in hypertension management involve all aspects of care, including (1) detection, referral, and follow up; (2) diagnostics and medication management ; (3) patient education, counseling, and skill building; (4) coordination of care; (5) clinic or office management; ( ...
What blood pressure should you go to the hospital?
Seek emergency care if your blood pressure reading is 180/120 or higher AND you have any of the following symptoms, which may be signs of organ damage: Chest pain. Shortness of breath.
What blood pressure should you report to the nurse?
If the Certified Nursing Assistant obtains a patient’s systolic blood pressure and finds it is greater than 180 mmHg or the diastolic blood pressure is greater than 120 mmHg , this is an emergency and should be reported immediately to a registered nurse or immediate supervisor.
What are the three most important steps in measuring blood pressure?
- Properly expose the patient. ...
- Properly position the patient. ...
- Select the appropriate cuff. ...
- Palpate the artery. ...
- Properly position the cuff. ...
- Use palpation to estimate the systolic blood pressure. ...
- Inflate the cuff to 30 mmHg above the palpated systolic pressure.
Which arm to measure blood pressure right or left?
(It’s best to take your blood pressure from your left arm if you are right-handed . However, you can use the other arm if you have been told to do so by your healthcare provider.) Rest in a chair next to a table for 5 to 10 minutes. (Your left arm should rest comfortably at heart level.)
What is normal blood pressure by age?
| Age SBP DBP | 21-25 120.5 78.5 | 26-30 119.5 76.5 | 31-35 114.5 75.5 | 36-40 120.5 75.5 |
|---|
Is 150 90 A good blood pressure?
high blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher (or 150/90mmHg or higher if you’re over the age of 80) ideal blood pressure is usually considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120 /80mmHg.
Can sleeping position affect blood pressure?
Your body position can impact your blood pressure reading. According to older research, blood pressure may be higher while lying down. But more recent studies have found that blood pressure may be lower while lying down versus sitting.
When should you not take your blood pressure?
180/120 mm Hg or higher: A blood pressure reading in this range is an emergency and could lead to organ failure . If you get this reading, you should seek medical care right away.
Can blood pressure vary in minutes?
Most healthy individuals have variations in their blood pressure — from minute to minute and hour to hour. These fluctuations generally happen within a normal range.
Is it OK to take blood pressure multiple times?
Check it twice
It’s ideal to measure your blood pressure twice a day for two weeks leading up to a doctor’s appointment, or following a change in medication. At each sitting, measure your blood pressure three times, but discard the first reading as it tends to be inaccurate.
How can I bring my blood pressure down immediately?
Increase potassium intake : Add more potassium to the diet because it regulates the heart rate and nullifies the effect of sodium in the body. Potassium-rich foods include: Fruits such as bananas, melons, avocadoes, and apricots. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale.
