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Questions and Answers
What is blood pressure (BP)?
BP is the force of blood pushing against the walls of arteries, expressed as systolic/diastolic BP.
What is the normal BP?
Normal BP is < 130/80 mmHg.
Why do we worry about high blood pressure?
Complications of persistent high blood pressure include nephrosclerosis and chronic kidney disease.
What do you need to measure BP?
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What are the mechanics behind measuring BP?
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How do we take an accurate BP?
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Which of the following is required to measure blood pressure? (Select all that apply)
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Blood pressure is measured in _____ and _____?
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High blood pressure can lead to chronic kidney disease.
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Study Notes
Blood Pressure Basics
- Blood Pressure (BP) is the force of blood pushing against the walls of arteries.
- BP is expressed as two numbers: systolic/diastolic.
- Systolic BP: pressure when the heart beats.
- Diastolic BP: pressure when the heart is at rest between beats.
- Normal BP: < 130/80 mmHg
Why Measure BP?
- High BP is a major risk factor for kidney disease.
- Hypertension can damage nephrons (kidney filtering units).
High Blood Pressure Complications
- Nephrosclerosis (hardening of kidney arteries) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Measuring BP Technique
- Environment: Quiet, free from disturbance.
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Patient Preparation:
- Relax patient, have them sit or lie down for 5 minutes.
- Ask the patient not to talk during measurement.
- Remove clothing from the upper arm.
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Equipment:
- Stethoscope: Clean ear tips and check for holes in tubing.
- Blood Pressure Cuff:
- Select the appropriate cuff size based on arm circumference.
- Align cuff's arrow or white dot with the brachial artery.
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Procedure:
- Position patient upright, feet flat on the ground, arm flat and at heart level.
- Inflate cuff until artery is compressed and blood flow stops.
- Slowly release air in the cuff.
- Listen for Korotkoff's sounds (sounds produced by blood flow through the artery).
- Record the systolic and diastolic readings when sounds appear and disappear.
Korotkoff's Sounds
- Five distinct phases of sounds produced by turbulent blood flow in the artery as the cuff deflates.
- Used to determine systolic and diastolic BP.
Choosing the Right Cuff Size
- Measure arm circumference (distance around the arm):
- 7 to 9 inches: Small adult cuff
- 9 to 13 inches: Standard adult cuff
- 13 to 17 inches: Large adult cuff
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Description
Test your knowledge on the fundamentals of blood pressure, including its definitions, measurement techniques, and complications associated with high blood pressure. Understand the significance of systolic and diastolic readings and their implications for health.
