Measurement of Blood Pressure Research Paper 2022
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Running head: MEASUREMENT OF BLOOD PRESSURE 1
Measurement of blood pressure
Student’s name
Institutional affiliation
Due date
Measurement of blood pressure
Student’s name
Institutional affiliation
Due date
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Measurement of blood pressure 2
Table of Contents
Introduction..........................................................................................................................2
Description...........................................................................................................................2
Feelings................................................................................................................................3
Evaluation............................................................................................................................3
Analysis...............................................................................................................................4
Conclusions..........................................................................................................................5
Action plan...........................................................................................................................5
Conclusion...........................................................................................................................6
References............................................................................................................................6
Table of Contents
Introduction..........................................................................................................................2
Description...........................................................................................................................2
Feelings................................................................................................................................3
Evaluation............................................................................................................................3
Analysis...............................................................................................................................4
Conclusions..........................................................................................................................5
Action plan...........................................................................................................................5
Conclusion...........................................................................................................................6
References............................................................................................................................6
Measurement of blood pressure 3
Introduction
Blood pressure (BP) is one of the vital signs that nurses have to take from patients on a
daily basis. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm/hg) and its values are
measured using two values which is the systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Extremely high or
low values of blood pressure is a sign of illness and it is therefore necessary for nurses and
midwives to learn how to conduct it, record, analyze and interpret such results. This paper is a
reflective piece based on the units learning of how to measure blood pressure.
Description
The unit on blood measurement was well delivered with full participation and
collaboration among my colleagues and the lecturer. We were taught different sub topics such as
blood circulation, cardiac diseases and blood pressure in order to prepare us for the topic. The
learning materials were also present which were necessary to teach on the different ways through
which blood pressure is measured. Just us we expected, we worked in groups and we took turns
in measuring each other’s blood pressure. For most of us, this was the first time to use a
sphygmomanometer which made most of us look excited. We were instructed to take readings on
the arm between the elbow and the shoulder. We were also taught different sources of errors that
might cause inaccurate readings and how to minimize such errors. By the end of the exercise,
most of my colleagues were able to take accurate readings.
Feelings
It was a wonderful feeling to get to understand how to accurately measure blood pressure
and to interpret the results. While conducting the exercise, I felt a bit nervous at first which made
me record a higher reading. However, after repeated tests, I was able to stabilize and record
Introduction
Blood pressure (BP) is one of the vital signs that nurses have to take from patients on a
daily basis. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm/hg) and its values are
measured using two values which is the systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Extremely high or
low values of blood pressure is a sign of illness and it is therefore necessary for nurses and
midwives to learn how to conduct it, record, analyze and interpret such results. This paper is a
reflective piece based on the units learning of how to measure blood pressure.
Description
The unit on blood measurement was well delivered with full participation and
collaboration among my colleagues and the lecturer. We were taught different sub topics such as
blood circulation, cardiac diseases and blood pressure in order to prepare us for the topic. The
learning materials were also present which were necessary to teach on the different ways through
which blood pressure is measured. Just us we expected, we worked in groups and we took turns
in measuring each other’s blood pressure. For most of us, this was the first time to use a
sphygmomanometer which made most of us look excited. We were instructed to take readings on
the arm between the elbow and the shoulder. We were also taught different sources of errors that
might cause inaccurate readings and how to minimize such errors. By the end of the exercise,
most of my colleagues were able to take accurate readings.
Feelings
It was a wonderful feeling to get to understand how to accurately measure blood pressure
and to interpret the results. While conducting the exercise, I felt a bit nervous at first which made
me record a higher reading. However, after repeated tests, I was able to stabilize and record
Measurement of blood pressure 4
normal and consistent readings. I was also able to feel the pressure from inflation of the cuff
wrapped around my arm and the relaxing effect that one felt after the cuff was deflated. I kept on
thinking whether my colleagues were feeling the same and I could observe any signs of
discomfort whenever I tried to measure blood pressure on a colleague. At the same time I also
kept on thinking of a way to memorize the different steps that I had to put in mind to perfect the
skill.
Evaluation
The exercise was successful as many students were able to read and record the
measurements effectively. In addition, they were able to predict the sources of errors whenever
any error occurred. One of the hardest tasks was to know when to stop inflating the cuff and take
a reading especially when the readings were not constant. In addition, it was also hard to
interpret results after conducting the exercise two or three times while obtaining different results
each time. However, the students had a positive attitude towards the exercise which greatly
assisted learning as we could participate actively ask questions and search for answers for those
asked by our colleagues.
Analysis
According to Meidert, and Saugel (2018), the essence of blood circulation is to supply
body organs with oxygenated blood which is transported from the lungs to all parts of the body.
Besides oxygen circulation, blood circulation also transports food substances, hormones and
other vital components necessary for growth. Blood circulation is therefore a vital process due to
the fact that major body organs such as brain need oxygen to function, glucose and removal of
harmful substances.
normal and consistent readings. I was also able to feel the pressure from inflation of the cuff
wrapped around my arm and the relaxing effect that one felt after the cuff was deflated. I kept on
thinking whether my colleagues were feeling the same and I could observe any signs of
discomfort whenever I tried to measure blood pressure on a colleague. At the same time I also
kept on thinking of a way to memorize the different steps that I had to put in mind to perfect the
skill.
Evaluation
The exercise was successful as many students were able to read and record the
measurements effectively. In addition, they were able to predict the sources of errors whenever
any error occurred. One of the hardest tasks was to know when to stop inflating the cuff and take
a reading especially when the readings were not constant. In addition, it was also hard to
interpret results after conducting the exercise two or three times while obtaining different results
each time. However, the students had a positive attitude towards the exercise which greatly
assisted learning as we could participate actively ask questions and search for answers for those
asked by our colleagues.
Analysis
According to Meidert, and Saugel (2018), the essence of blood circulation is to supply
body organs with oxygenated blood which is transported from the lungs to all parts of the body.
Besides oxygen circulation, blood circulation also transports food substances, hormones and
other vital components necessary for growth. Blood circulation is therefore a vital process due to
the fact that major body organs such as brain need oxygen to function, glucose and removal of
harmful substances.
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Measurement of blood pressure 5
According to Ogedegbe, and Pickering (2010), the main location for measuring pressure
is the brachial artery due to the fact that blood pressure values vary according to different
locations where more distal arteries record higher systolic pressure and low diastolic pressure.
The sphygmomanometer is the main tool used for measuring blood pressure and it consists of a
cuff, a manometer and a stethoscope (Armstrong 2002). While measuring BP, is placed on the
arm and inflated until no more blood flows through the brachial artery. When the air is released
slowly, when the air pressure falls below the systolic pressure, blood continues to flow creating a
pounding sound and one can record the systolic pressure from the meter. When the air pressure
in the cuff falls below the diastolic blood pressure, pounding stops and one can read the diastolic
blood pressure from the meter.
The exercise was effective because we were able to learn the correct location of the
brachial artery, correct use of the sphygmomanometer and correct timing of systole and diastole
readings. Some people got misleading values due to wrong timing of the pounding therefore
failing to read accurately.
Conclusions
From the unit, I was able to learn that Normal blood pressure of 140/90 mm/Hg is
necessary for optimal functioning of the body organs and organ systems. Lower than normal
blood pressure (hypotension) may cause dizziness and falls mainly among senior people. In case
of an emergency, hypotension may indicate a sepsis or low volume of blood. On the other hand,
high blood pressure (hypertension) may cause dizziness or visual problems. It is also a risk factor
for many cardiovascular diseases. In case of an emergency, hypertension may be an indicator of
intracranial pathology or pain (Sharman, Howes, Head, McGrath, Stowasser, Schlaich and
According to Ogedegbe, and Pickering (2010), the main location for measuring pressure
is the brachial artery due to the fact that blood pressure values vary according to different
locations where more distal arteries record higher systolic pressure and low diastolic pressure.
The sphygmomanometer is the main tool used for measuring blood pressure and it consists of a
cuff, a manometer and a stethoscope (Armstrong 2002). While measuring BP, is placed on the
arm and inflated until no more blood flows through the brachial artery. When the air is released
slowly, when the air pressure falls below the systolic pressure, blood continues to flow creating a
pounding sound and one can record the systolic pressure from the meter. When the air pressure
in the cuff falls below the diastolic blood pressure, pounding stops and one can read the diastolic
blood pressure from the meter.
The exercise was effective because we were able to learn the correct location of the
brachial artery, correct use of the sphygmomanometer and correct timing of systole and diastole
readings. Some people got misleading values due to wrong timing of the pounding therefore
failing to read accurately.
Conclusions
From the unit, I was able to learn that Normal blood pressure of 140/90 mm/Hg is
necessary for optimal functioning of the body organs and organ systems. Lower than normal
blood pressure (hypotension) may cause dizziness and falls mainly among senior people. In case
of an emergency, hypotension may indicate a sepsis or low volume of blood. On the other hand,
high blood pressure (hypertension) may cause dizziness or visual problems. It is also a risk factor
for many cardiovascular diseases. In case of an emergency, hypertension may be an indicator of
intracranial pathology or pain (Sharman, Howes, Head, McGrath, Stowasser, Schlaich and
Measurement of blood pressure 6
Nelson 2016). I was able to acquire the necessary skills such as correct use of the
sphygmomanometer and reading the pressure meter that will help me to take and record accurate
readings of blood pressure.
Action plan
I was able to learn a lot from the experience and based on this experience, in the future, I
will always be able to listen to the pounding movements to know when to take accurate readings.
In addition, I will also practice the skills severely to ensure that I am able to remember every
detail. In addition, I was able to learn the theoretical uses of other devices and once I find one, I
will commit myself to test my skills and ensure that I keep up with the technological pace.
Lastly, whenever possible, I will also be able to help my colleagues who may encounter
challenges while using the stethoscope, the cuff or the manometer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is evident that accurate blood pressure measurement depends on
determination of the correct location of the brachial artery, correct use of the
sphygmomanometer and correct timing of systole and diastole readings. People may get
misleading values due to wrong timing of the pounding and failing to read accurately. In
addition, normal blood pressure is 140/90 mm/Hg.
Nelson 2016). I was able to acquire the necessary skills such as correct use of the
sphygmomanometer and reading the pressure meter that will help me to take and record accurate
readings of blood pressure.
Action plan
I was able to learn a lot from the experience and based on this experience, in the future, I
will always be able to listen to the pounding movements to know when to take accurate readings.
In addition, I will also practice the skills severely to ensure that I am able to remember every
detail. In addition, I was able to learn the theoretical uses of other devices and once I find one, I
will commit myself to test my skills and ensure that I keep up with the technological pace.
Lastly, whenever possible, I will also be able to help my colleagues who may encounter
challenges while using the stethoscope, the cuff or the manometer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is evident that accurate blood pressure measurement depends on
determination of the correct location of the brachial artery, correct use of the
sphygmomanometer and correct timing of systole and diastole readings. People may get
misleading values due to wrong timing of the pounding and failing to read accurately. In
addition, normal blood pressure is 140/90 mm/Hg.
Measurement of blood pressure 7
References
Armstrong, R. S. (2002). Nurses’ knowledge of error in blood pressure measurement
technique. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 8(3), 118-126.
Meidert, A. S., & Saugel, B. (2018). Techniques for non-invasive monitoring of arterial blood
pressure. Frontiers in medicine, 4, 231.
Ogedegbe, G., & Pickering, T. (2010). Principles and techniques of blood pressure
measurement. Cardiology clinics, 28(4), 571-586.
Sharman, J. E., Howes, F. S., Head, G. A., McGrath, B. P., Stowasser, M., Schlaich, M., ... &
Nelson, M. R. (2016). How to measure home blood pressure: Recommendations for
healthcare professionals and patients. Australian family physician, 45(1/2), 31.
References
Armstrong, R. S. (2002). Nurses’ knowledge of error in blood pressure measurement
technique. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 8(3), 118-126.
Meidert, A. S., & Saugel, B. (2018). Techniques for non-invasive monitoring of arterial blood
pressure. Frontiers in medicine, 4, 231.
Ogedegbe, G., & Pickering, T. (2010). Principles and techniques of blood pressure
measurement. Cardiology clinics, 28(4), 571-586.
Sharman, J. E., Howes, F. S., Head, G. A., McGrath, B. P., Stowasser, M., Schlaich, M., ... &
Nelson, M. R. (2016). How to measure home blood pressure: Recommendations for
healthcare professionals and patients. Australian family physician, 45(1/2), 31.
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