18 Questions
What is a common factor that contributes to high blood pressure in obese individuals?
Increased atherosclerosis
Which of the following medications can increase blood pressure?
Many medicines
What is the typical pattern of diurnal variations in blood pressure?
Lowest in the morning, highest in the evening
How does nicotine affect blood pressure?
Increases blood pressure by reducing capillary efficiency
What is the term for a sudden decrease in blood pressure when standing up from a lying down position?
Orthostatic hypotension
How does posture affect blood pressure?
Blood pressure is often lower when lying down than when sitting or standing
What is the effect of haemorrhage on blood pressure?
It decreases blood pressure by decreasing blood volume
What is the effect of increased intracranial pressure on blood pressure?
It increases blood pressure
When should a nurse postpone taking a client's blood pressure?
When the client is angry, anxious, or in pain
On which arm should a nurse not take a blood pressure reading?
All of the above
Why is it important to explain the blood pressure taking procedure to the client?
To gain the client's confidence and cooperation
In which position should a client be placed for accurate blood pressure reading?
Sitting with the arm resting on the table at heart level
What is the average normal blood pressure of a healthy adult?
120/80 mmHg
What is the term for an abnormally high blood pressure?
Hypertension
What is the term for the pressure when the ventricles are at rest?
Diastolic Pressure
What is the effect of exercise on blood pressure?
It increases blood pressure due to increased venous return
What is the difference in blood pressure between males and females?
BP is higher in males than in females
What is the blood pressure of a newborn?
73/55 mmHg
Study Notes
Factors Affecting Blood Pressure
- Haemorrhage decreases blood pressure by reducing blood volume in blood vessels
- Increased intracranial pressure increases blood pressure, e.g., head injury and intracranial tumors
Nurse's Responsibility in Measuring Blood Pressure
- Identify the client and check diagnosis, reason for taking blood pressure, and previous measurements
- Assess the client's physical and mental state, and postpone measurement if the client is angry, anxious, in pain, or crying
- Choose the correct arm for measurement, avoiding arms with intravenous infusion, injury, disease, shunt, or fistula for renal dialysis
- Check the blood pressure apparatus for defects
- Explain the procedure to the client to gain confidence and cooperation
- Place the client in a comfortable position, either lying down or sitting, with the arm supported at heart level
Hormonal Factors
- Increased levels of adrenaline, noradrenaline, and thyroid hormones increase blood pressure
Other Factors Affecting Blood Pressure
- Stress increases blood pressure due to stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system
- Severe pain can decrease blood pressure and cause shock
- Sleep decreases blood pressure due to reduced venous return
- Obesity can increase blood pressure in some individuals due to atherosclerosis
- Medication can increase blood pressure
- Diurnal variations cause blood pressure to be lowest in the morning and highest in the late afternoon or early evening
- Disease processes affecting cardiac output, blood viscosity, or arterial compliance can affect blood pressure
- Smoking increases blood pressure due to nicotine's effect on capillaries
- Posture affects blood pressure, with a decrease in blood pressure when lying down compared to sitting or standing
- Orthostatic hypotension is a sudden decrease in blood pressure when standing up
Blood Pressure Measurement
- Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg)
- The systolic pressure is written over the diastolic pressure, e.g., 120/80mmHg
- The average normal blood pressure of a healthy adult is 120/80mmHg
Blood Pressure Conditions
- Hypertension is an abnormally high blood pressure above 140mmHg systolic and 90mmHg diastolic
- Hypotension is an abnormally low blood pressure below 80mmHg systolic
Age-Related Factors
- Blood pressure increases with age
- The pressure is higher in elderly individuals than in children
- This is due to atherosclerosis
- Newborn: 73/55mmHg, 1 year: 90/55mmHg, 6 years: 95/57mmHg, 10 years: 102/62mmHg, 14 years: 120/80mmHg, Adults: 120/80mmHg
Other Factors
- Exercise increases blood pressure due to increased venous return
- Emotions increase blood pressure due to secretion of adrenaline and noradrenaline
- Sex: blood pressure is higher in males than in females due to hormones, but equalizes at menopause
Learn about the various factors that influence blood pressure, including hormones, stress, pain, and sleep. Understand how these factors affect cardiac output and vasodilation, and how they impact blood pressure readings.
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