Questions and Answers
What is the correct definition of blood pressure?
Which device is primarily used to measure blood pressure?
What category represents a systolic reading of 145 mm Hg?
How does age affect blood pressure?
Signup and view all the answers
Which site is preferred for measuring blood pressure?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of these factors does not affect blood pressure?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the diastolic reading reflect?
Signup and view all the answers
What sound indicates the systolic pressure during a blood pressure auscultation?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following methods is primarily used for the initial blood pressure reading?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the significance of assessing trends in blood pressure readings?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the auscultatory gap?
Signup and view all the answers
When performing auscultation, what is the first sound heard after deflating the cuff indicative of?
Signup and view all the answers
What should be done before reinflating the cuff during a blood pressure measurement?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the fifth sound heard during auscultation represent?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following steps is NOT involved in obtaining blood pressure by palpation?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the initial step for measuring blood pressure using a manual cuff on a patient's upper arm?
Signup and view all the answers
When performing orthostatic vital signs, which position should be measured first?
Signup and view all the answers
How much higher than the average systolic blood pressures should the nurse inflate the cuff to obtain a manual reading?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common symptom of orthostatic hypotension?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following should be documented first when recording vital signs?
Signup and view all the answers
If a patient exhibits a rise in pulse of 15-30 beats per minute, what does this indicate?
Signup and view all the answers
What should be done if symptoms occur during the orthostatic vital signs test?
Signup and view all the answers
Which devices measure blood pressure electronically without the need for auscultation?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Blood Pressure Measurement
- Blood pressure measures the force exerted by circulating blood against artery walls.
- Influencing factors include cardiac output, peripheral vascular resistance, blood volume, blood viscosity, and arterial elasticity.
Measurement Tools
- Sphygmomanometer: Main device used; can be aneroid or digital.
- Stethoscope: Used for auscultation; should be cleaned before use, using either the bell or diaphragm.
Blood Pressure Readings
- Normal: Systolic 90-119 mm Hg, Diastolic less than 80 mm Hg.
- Elevated: Systolic 120-129 mm Hg, Diastolic less than 80 mm Hg.
- Stage 1 Hypertension: Systolic 130-139 mm Hg or Diastolic 80-89 mm Hg.
- Stage 2 Hypertension: Systolic 140 mm Hg or higher or Diastolic 90 mm Hg or higher.
- Hypotension: Systolic less than 90 mm Hg.
Factors Affecting Blood Pressure
- Age, stress, race, obesity, medications, and underlying disease processes influence blood pressure readings.
Systolic and Diastolic Pressure
- Systolic: Represents peak arterial pressure during ventricular contraction (systole).
- Diastolic: Represents minimum arterial pressure during ventricular relaxation (diastole).
Blood Pressure in Older Adults
- Blood pressure tends to increase with age due to reduced arterial elasticity.
- Increased susceptibility to orthostatic hypotension.
Measurement Sites
- Preferred site for BP measurement is the upper arm; others include forearm, thigh, and lower leg.
- Measurements should be taken at heart level and while the patient is at rest, avoiding factors like eating, smoking, or pain.
Cuff Size Selection
- Cuff size must correspond to the width and length for appropriate blood pressure readings.
- Incorrectly sized cuffs can lead to inaccurate measurements.
Korotkoff Sounds
- Five distinct sounds are heard during auscultation:
- First Sound: Indicates systolic pressure (clear tapping).
- Second to Fourth Sounds: Various muted sounds.
- Fifth Sound: Indicates diastolic pressure (silence).
Blood Pressure Measurement Techniques
- Palpatory Method: Used for initial reading; determines systolic pressure only.
- Auscultatory Method: Used for subsequent readings to determine both systolic and diastolic pressures.
Auscultatory Gap
- A period where systolic sounds temporarily disappear, which can lead to underestimation of systolic pressure if not detected through palpation.
Assessing Trends
- Monitoring trends provides vital information about a patient's condition and can help preemptively address potential problems.
Electronic Blood Pressure Devices
- Automatically inflate and deflate cuffs and provide digital readings; do not require a stethoscope.
- Require periodic recalibration and may include functions like pulse readings.
Orthostatic Hypotension
- Can occur on changing positions; characterized by decreased BP and increased pulse, often causing dizziness.
- Monitoring involves measuring BP and pulse in supine, sitting, and standing positions.
Recording Vital Signs
- Document vitals in the order of Temperature, Pulse, Respiratory rate, BP, and SpO2.
- Be specific in documenting the method used for temperature and pulse and ensure accuracy in BP recordings.
Normal Body Temperature in Adults
- Normal body temperature serves as a crucial indicator of health and homeostasis.
- Average normal body temperature is typically 98.6°F (37°C), with an acceptable range from 97°F (36.1°C) to 99°F (37.2°C).
Variability Factors
- Body temperature fluctuates throughout the day, usually lower in the morning and higher in the afternoon.
- Physical activity can cause a temporary increase in body temperature.
- Women's body temperature may rise during ovulation, reflecting changes in the menstrual cycle.
- Aging may result in a slightly lower average body temperature for older adults.
Measurement Methods
- Oral: Reliable method that provides a good reflection of core body temperature.
- Rectal: Typically yields higher results; considered very accurate.
- Axillary (underarm): Usually lower than oral readings and less reliable.
- Tympanic (ear): Offers quick measurements, though accuracy can sometimes vary.
Fever and Hypothermia
- Fever is characterized by a body temperature exceeding 100.4°F (38°C), often indicating infections or illnesses.
- Hypothermia is when body temperature drops below 95°F (35°C), which can arise from prolonged cold exposure, certain medical conditions, or drug use.
Importance of Monitoring
- Regular temperature monitoring helps in the early detection of health issues.
- Vulnerable populations, such as infants, the elderly, and individuals with chronic diseases, should be particularly vigilant about temperature changes.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz covers the fundamentals of blood pressure measurement as taught in the NURS 1090 course. It focuses on the definition, factors influencing blood pressure, and methods of measuring it, including the use of sphygmomanometers and stethoscopes. Test your understanding of key concepts and practical applications related to blood pressure assessment.
