How To Check Manual Blood Pressure | Easy Blood Pressure Tutorial For Medical Assistants

Summary

In this instructional video, the presenter demonstrates how to properly check blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer (blood pressure cuff) and stethoscope. Key steps include ensuring the cuff is placed snugly on the arm, aligning it with the brachial artery, and properly using the stethoscope to listen for the systolic and diastolic readings. The video emphasizes the importance of practice, proper technique, and knowing how to read the sphygmomanometer's scale. The presenter encourages viewers to practice regularly, even with a home blood pressure kit, and offers a link to an affordable set available on Amazon.

Takeaways

• 😀 Make sure to understand how to read a sphygmomanometer before attempting to check blood pressure.
• 😀 Always use the same arm when measuring blood pressure to ensure consistency.
• 😀 Align the blood pressure cuff with the brachial artery for accurate measurement.
• 😀 Apply the cuff snugly but not too tight, ensuring comfort for the patient.
• 😀 Test the stethoscope before use by tapping the diaphragm to ensure it's working properly.
• 😀 Locate the brachial artery by feeling for the pulse and placing the stethoscope there.
• 😀 Twist the inflation bulb to the right to tighten the cuff, but avoid using your thumb on the bulb.
• 😀 Listen for the first sound to determine the systolic pressure (top number).
• 😀 Continue listening as the sound fades to identify the diastolic pressure (bottom number).
• 😀 Read the sphygmomanometer by counting in increments of 2 for smaller lines and multiples of 10 for bold lines.
• 😀 Practice regularly to improve your technique and gain confidence in taking blood pressure readings.

Q & A

What is the first step before checking blood pressure?

Before checking blood pressure, make sure you know how to read the sphygmomanometer (blood pressure cuff). The video links to another video explaining how to read it properly.

Why is it important to be consistent with which arm you use to check blood pressure?

It’s important to be consistent with which arm you use for blood pressure measurements to ensure accurate and comparable results over time.

How should the blood pressure cuff be placed on the patient's arm?

The cuff should be placed snugly on the patient's arm, ensuring it's not too tight to cause discomfort. It should not move up and down during inflation.

What is the proper position of the stethoscope during the blood pressure check?

The diaphragm of the stethoscope should be placed over the brachial artery, which can be found by feeling for the pulse at the crease of the patient's arm.

How do you ensure the stethoscope is working correctly before using it?

To ensure the stethoscope is working, tap on the diaphragm. If the sound is too faint or not loud enough, twist the stethoscope until it makes a clear, loud sound in your ears.

What is the significance of the first sound you hear when checking blood pressure?

The first sound you hear as the cuff deflates corresponds to the systolic pressure, which is the top number of the blood pressure reading.

What does the second sound you hear represent when measuring blood pressure?

The second sound, or the point where the sound disappears, represents the diastolic pressure, which is the bottom number of the blood pressure reading.

Why should you avoid covering the valve with your thumb while inflating the cuff?

You should avoid covering the valve with your thumb because your thumb has its own pulse, which could interfere with accurately reading the blood pressure.

How should the blood pressure cuff be inflated?

The blood pressure cuff should be inflated by twisting the bulb to the right, slowly increasing the pressure until it reaches around 180 mmHg, or higher depending on the patient's condition.

What is the recommended way to practice blood pressure measurement for beginners?

To practice, it’s helpful to get your own blood pressure cuff and stethoscope set. You can practice on family, friends, or even yourself to build proficiency in both reading the gauge and taking measurements quickly and accurately.