Today’s Lecture

Vital Signs Overview/Context Temperature Pulse Blood Pressure Respiratory Rate Oxygen Saturation Pain

Assignment

BP

Lateral force on the wall of an artery

Systemic or arterial blood pressure is a good indicator of cardiovascular

health

Measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg).

Normal Adult BP

Systolic Range90 – 130 mmHg

Diastolic Range60 – 85 mmHg

ie: from 90/60 mmHg to 130/85 mmHg

Category Systolic Diastolic

Normal < 130 < 85

High Normal 130-139 85-89

Mild Hypertension 140-159 90-99

Moderate Hypertension 160-179 100-109

Severe Hypertension 180-209 110-119

Crisis Hypertension >210 >120

Adapted from Wotton (2009, p. 577)

BP Classification

Effects on BP

EnvironmentalFunctional equipment

Correct size of cuffAmbient temperature

Nurse/Health ProfessionalSkill/Technique

Manner

Effects on BP

Patient/ClientAge and physical state

MedicationActivity/Exercise

SleepEmotional StateNew admission

Smoking

BP Measurement

Directly (invasive) ie: arterial line

Indirectly (non-invasive) Auscultation

PalpationDevices

Sphygmomanometer

Aneroid Mercurial

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Figure 31-16

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BP Process

Tollefson 2007 pp13-16

BP Process

Explanation & Consent Equipment & Environment Standard Precautions Position the Patient Apply the Cuff Palpitation

BP Process

Position the Stethoscope Bell vs Diaphram(Joanna Briggs & Tollefson vs Crisp & Taylor)

Auscultation ? Other Arm Equipment Document Compare

BP Process

PracticePracticePractice

BP Abnormalities

Hypertension

Hypotension

Orthostatic Hypotension(aka Postural Hypotension)

Helpful Hints5 - 10 Rest

Heart = Arm

Equipment OK?

Clothing in the way?

Stethoscope/Diaphragm Position

Patient Position: Lying & Standing

Today’s Lecture

Vital Signs Overview/Context Temperature Pulse Blood Pressure Respiratory Rate Oxygen Saturation Pain

Assignment