Blood Pressure Basics Quiz

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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