| Preparation |
| Clinical standards for procedures and interventions. |
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| Ensures that the patient is at rest for at least 5 minutes prior to taking the measurement. |
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| Determines the patient's usual blood pressure readings, if able. |
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| Selects the correct size sphygmomanometer cuff for the patient based on age, weight, and size. |
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| Assessment |
| Wraps the cuff snugly around the patient's arm (cuff should wrap the arm 1-1/2 times), aligning with the artery marker on the cuff if present. |
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| Positions the aneroid gauge level with the arm at heart level. |
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| Has the patient relax the arm while providing support. |
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| Palpates the brachial pulse and inflates the cuff approximately 30 mm Hg above the level until the pulse disappears. |
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| Notes the pressure at the point when the pulse disappears. |
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| Deflates the cuff slowly until the pulse reappears. |
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| Places the stethoscope in the ears and positions the bell of the stethoscope over the brachial pulse, slightly distal to or partially under the cuff. |
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| Reinflates the cuff 30 mm Hg above the expected systolic pressure determined in earlier steps. |
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| Deflates the cuff slowly, observing the manometer; notes systolic and diastolic pressures. |
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| Post-Intervention |
| Completely deflates and removes the cuff, then records the blood pressure. |
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| Post-Intervention Management Steps |
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