ALERTIf unable to palpate an artery because of a weakened pulse, use an ultrasonic stethoscope (Figure 1). Show
OVERVIEWBlood pressure (BP) is the force exerted by blood against the vessel walls. During a normal cardiac cycle, BP reaches a peak, followed by a trough. The peak pressure occurs when the heart’s ventricular contraction, or systole, forces blood under high pressure into the aorta. When the ventricles relax, the blood remaining in the arteries exerts a trough, or diastolic, pressure against the arterial wall. Diastolic pressure is the minimum pressure exerted against the arterial wall. Patients at risk for alterations in BP measurement include those who have:
The standard unit for measuring BP is millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). The measurement indicates the height to which the BP can sustain the column of mercury. The most common methods for measuring BP are auscultation using a sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope and measurement using an electronic BP monitor. Palpation may be used to obtain an estimate of systolic BP before using the auscultation method. During auscultation, as the sphygmomanometer cuff is deflated, five different sounds, called Korotkoff sounds, are heard over the artery. Each sound has a distinct characteristic (Figure 2). BP is recorded with the systolic reading (first Korotkoff sound) before the diastolic reading (beginning of the fifth Korotkoff sound). The difference between systolic pressure and diastolic pressure is the pulse pressure. For a BP of 120/80 mm Hg, the pulse pressure is 40 mm Hg, the difference between 120 mm Hg and 80 mm Hg. Cuff size should be proportionate to the limb circumference. Most adults require a large adult cuff. An improper-size cuff produces an inaccurate BP measurement. Studies show that using a cuff that is too narrow results in an overestimation of BP, whereas using a cuff that is too wide results in an underestimation of BP.undefined#ref1">1 When measuring BP in the upper arm is not possible—for example, when the available BP cuffs do not fit the upper arm properly—BP may be measured in the forearm. To obtain the most accurate reading, the nurse must use the proper size BP cuff for the forearm, which typically has a smaller circumference than the upper arm. BP measurements in the forearm and upper arm are not interchangeable. Systolic blood pressure readings tend to be higher in more distal arteries, such as those in the forearm, whereas diastolic blood pressure readings tend to be lower in more distal arteries.6,8 The thigh or calf can be used if measurement of the upper arms and forearms is not possible.1 EDUCATION
ASSESSMENT AND PREPARATIONAssessment
Preparation
Rationale: The urge to void can significantly increase BP.5 Rationale: Exposure to cold can significantly increase systolic BP.5 Rationale: Proper cuff size is necessary for an accurate reading. The cuff must be wide and long enough to allow for the size of the arm or thigh. Narrow cuffs can cause an artificially high reading. PROCEDURE
Rationale: If the patient's arm is not supported at the heart level, a lower BP will be recorded when the arm is above heart level, and a higher BP will be recorded when the arm is below heart level.1 Leg crossing can increase systolic and diastolic BP. Rationale: Leg crossing can falsely increase systolic and diastolic BP. Rationale: The prone position provides the best access to the popliteal artery. Leg crossing can falsely increase systolic and diastolic BP. Rationale: Leg crossing can result in an increased systolic and diastolic BP. Rationale: Placing the cuff over clothing may affect the BP measurement. Rationale: Positioning the cuff bladder directly over the brachial artery ensures that proper pressure is applied during inflation. Rationale: A loose-fitting cuff can cause an artificially high reading. Rationale: Positioning the cuff bladder directly over the radial artery ensures that proper pressure is applied during inflation. Rationale: A loose-fitting cuff can cause an artificially high reading. Rationale: Positioning the cuff bladder directly over the popliteal artery ensures that proper pressure is applied during inflation. Rationale: A loose-fitting cuff causes false-high readings. Rationale: A loose-fitting cuff can cause an artificially high reading. Rationale: Looking up or down at the scale can result in a distorted, incorrect reading. Rationale: Too rapid or slow a decline in the mercury level causes inaccurate readings. Rationale: The estimate of systolic BP determines the maximum inflation point for an accurate reading by palpation. Completely deflating the cuff prevents venous congestion and false-high measurements. If unable to palpate the artery because of a weakened pulse, use an ultrasonic stethoscope. Rationale: Continuous cuff inflation can cause arterial occlusion, resulting in numbness and tingling of the arm or leg. Rationale: Comparison of BP in both arms or legs helps detect cardiovascular, neurologic, and musculoskeletal abnormalities. A normal difference of up to 10 mm Hg may exist between arms.1 MONITORING AND CARE
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
UNEXPECTED OUTCOMES
DOCUMENTATION
PEDIATRIC CONSIDERATIONS
OLDER ADULT CONSIDERATIONS
HOME CARE CONSIDERATIONS
REFERENCES
ADDITIONAL READINGSAmerican Heart Association (AHA). (2017). What is high blood pressure? Retrieved April 15, 2021, from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about- high-blood-pressure/what-is-high-blood-pressure (Level VII) *In these skills, a “classic” reference is a widely cited, standard work of established excellence that significantly affects current practice and may also represent the foundational research for practice. Adapted from Perry, A.G. and others (Eds.). (2022). Clinical nursing skills & techniques (10th ed.). St. Louis: Elsevier. Elsevier Skills Levels of Evidence
What should the nurse do if unable to palpate a peripheral pulse?Location of Posterior Tibial Artery
If you are unable to palpate a pulse, find a doppler machine, which should be present on any inpatient floor or ER, and use it to identify the location of the artery.
Which action should the nurse perform after identifying a pulse deficit?Which action should the nurse perform after identifying a pulse deficit? Reassess the apical-radial pulse in 5 minutes. Assess the patient for signs of decreased cardiac output.
When assessing the force of a radial pulse the nurse documents a weak?When documenting the force, or amplitude, of pulses, 3+ indicates an increased, full, or bounding pulse, 2+ indicates a normal pulse, 1+ indicates a weak pulse, and 0 indicates an absent pulse.
How do you palpate a radial pulse?Your radial pulse can be taken on either wrist. Use the tip of the index and third fingers of your other hand to feel the pulse in your radial artery between your wrist bone and the tendon on the thumb side of your wrist. Apply just enough pressure so you can feel each beat.
|