20 Questions
What is the normal range of oxygen saturation in a healthy person?
95-100%
What is the difference between systolic pressure and diastolic pressure?
Systolic is the pressure during left ventricular contraction, diastolic is the pressure during left ventricular relaxation
Where can a pulse oximeter sensor be applied?
To the finger, forehead, or earlobe
What is pulse pressure?
The difference between systolic and diastolic pressure
What is the minimum mean arterial pressure required to maintain adequate tissue perfusion?
60mmHg
What is the force that pushes against the arterial walls?
Blood pressure
What is the normal temperature range in Celsius?
36°C to 38°C
Which of the following routes of temperature measurement yields a reading 0.5°C higher than oral temperature?
Rectal
What is the average oral temperature in Fahrenheit?
98.6°F
When assessing pulse, how long should you count for if the rhythm is regular?
30 seconds
What is the term for a temperature below 36°C (96.8°F)?
Hypothermia
When palpating peripheral pulse, what part of the fingers should be used to compress the artery?
Pads of the first 2 fingers
What is one of the factors that increases blood pressure?
Stiff vessel walls
Why is it recommended to avoid smoking or drinking caffeinated beverages 30 minutes prior to measuring blood pressure?
To prevent temporary increases in blood pressure
What is the correct position of the arm during blood pressure measurement?
Arm should be at heart level
What is the purpose of adding 20-30mmHg to the pressure at which the pulse disappears during palpation?
To determine the maximum inflation pressure
What is the auscultatory gap?
A period of silence between SBP and DBP
Why is it important to palpate the brachial artery during blood pressure measurement?
To locate the correct position for the cuff
What is the correct sequence of steps during blood pressure measurement?
Palpate the brachial artery, rapidly inflate the cuff, and then listen for Korotkoff sounds
Why is it important to use the correct size cuff for the patient?
To reduce the risk of inaccurate measurement
Study Notes
Blood Pressure
- Cardiac output, vascular resistance, blood volume, and elasticity of vessel walls all impact blood pressure
- Increased cardiac output, vascular resistance, or blood volume, or decreased elasticity of vessel walls can lead to increased blood pressure
Optimal Conditions for Blood Pressure Measurement
- Avoid smoking or drinking caffeinated beverages 30 minutes prior to measurement
- Ensure a quiet, comfortably warm room
- Patient should be seated quietly in a chair with both feet on the floor for at least 5 minutes
- Arm should be free of clothing
- Use the correct size cuff for the patient
- Palpate the brachial artery, not the radial artery
- Position the arm so that the brachial artery is at heart level
Measurement of Blood Pressure (Part I)
- Determine max inflation pressure by palpating the brachial artery
- Center the cuff over the brachial artery, 2.5cm above the antecubital crease, and secure it snugly
- Palpate the brachial artery while inflating the cuff and note the mmHg when the pulse disappears
- Deflate the cuff, wait 15-30 seconds, and re-inflate to max inflation pressure
Auscultatory Gap
- A period of silence between systolic and diastolic blood pressure that occurs in ~5% of people, often in hypertension
- Caused by a non-compliant arterial system
Measurement of Blood Pressure (Part II)
- Listen for Korotkoff sounds with a stethoscope
- Rapidly inflate the cuff to max inflation pressure, then deflate and listen for sounds
Vital Signs
- Temperature: influenced by diurnal cycle, menstrual cycle, stress, exercise, age, and external temperature
- Routes of temperature measurement: oral, temporal artery, rectal, axillary, and tympanic membrane
- Normal temperature range: 96.8°F to 100.4°F (36°C to 38°C)
Pulse
- Rate: measured by auscultating the apical pulse or palpating the peripheral pulse
- Rhythm: regular or irregular
- Effort: diaphragmatic or thoracic, with or without accessory muscle use
Oxygen Saturation (SpO2)
- Measurement of arterial oxygenation using a pulse oximeter
- Normal SpO2 range: 95-100%
Blood Pressure Terminology
- Systolic pressure (SBP): maximum pressure during left ventricular contraction
- Diastolic pressure (DBP): minimum pressure between left ventricular contractions
- Pulse pressure: difference between SBP and DBP
- Mean arterial pressure (MAP): average pressure forcing blood into tissues over the cardiac cycle, ≥ 60mmHg needed for adequate tissue perfusion
Quiz about the factors that affect blood pressure, including cardiac output, vascular resistance, blood volume, and elasticity of vessel walls.
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