VITAL SIGNS LESSON (All Classes) Part 1 Blood Pressure

IV line, castor recent trauma

Site used for dialysis.

freckles or bruises

Mastectomy or surgery on the breast

Paralysis due to stroke

Choose the correct cuff size

Line the cuff marker up with the brachial artery.

Make sure manometer is properly calibrated (reads “0” when no air is in cuff). 

Place the cuff on bare skin, not over clothing.

Position the cuff 2 inches below the elbow crease.

Support arm at heart level

Have the patient empty their bladder.

Drink 32 oz of water 10 minutes before

Avoid caffeine, exercise, smoking, or energy drinks for at least 30 minutes prior.

Have sit in a chair with back supported and feet flat on the floor.

Dizziness without other symptoms

change in vision or difficulty speaking

back pain, numbness, weakness,

shortness of breath

chest pain

the average range is 30-50 mmHg

helps indicate how well your heart and arteries are working

is the difference between systolic and diastolic pressures

all of these

none of these

Paralysis or weakness from stroke or lymphedema

Recent surgery on that arm or breast surgery (like a mastectomy-breast removal or lymph node removal)

Freckles or moles

An IV line, saline lock, a dialysis fistula or shunt

A cast, splint, or bulky bandage an Injury, pain, swelling, bruising, burns, or infection