1. Preparation
Environmental Requirements:
Select a quiet, warm, draft-free environment for measurement.
Avoid measuring in cold environments, as cold can increase blood pressure.
Personal Condition:
Persons should avoid strenuous exercise, eating, smoking, or consuming caffeinated beverages within 30 minutes before the measurement.
Persons should sit comfortably with their feet flat on the floor and their back supported, and relax for 5-10 minutes.
The cuff should be placed on the bare upper arm, avoiding clothing, as clothing can affect the measurement results.
2. Cuff Selection and Fitting
Choosing the Proper Size:
The cuff should be 40% of the arm circumference wide and 80% of the arm circumference long.
If the patient has a thicker arm, choose a larger cuff; if the patient has a thinner arm, choose a smaller cuff.
Proper Fit:
The lower edge of the cuff should be approximately 2.5 cm above the cubital fossa. The cuff should lie flat against the skin, with a moderate tightness that allows one to two fingers to fit.
The cuff's airway should be located on the inside of the arm, at heart level.
3. Measurement Procedure
Stethoscope Placement:
Gently press the stethoscope tip onto the brachial artery, just below the cuff edge, ensuring good contact with the skin.
Inflation:
Close the valve on the inflation bulb and rapidly inflate to approximately 180 mmHg (or 40 mmHg above the expected systolic pressure).
Deflation and Monitoring:
Slowly deflate the balloon, decreasing by 2-3 mmHg per second, while listening for arterial blood flow sounds through the stethoscope.
Record the systolic pressure (the first click you hear) and the diastolic pressure (the reading when the click disappears).
If using the Korotkoff sound method, record the fifth phase (when the sound disappears completely) as the diastolic pressure.
4. Post-Measurement Notes
Recording Results:
Record the measurement results, including the date, time, systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, and heart rate. Repeat Measurements:
If the first measurement result is abnormal, wait 1-2 minutes before taking a second measurement.
The average of the two measurements is used as the final result.
Device Maintenance:
After use, completely deflate the cuff.
Regularly check the airtightness and accuracy of the device to ensure it is in good condition.
5. Other Precautions
Avoid Frequent Measurements:
Frequent blood pressure measurements can increase blood pressure and affect the accuracy of measurement results.
Regular Calibration:
Aneroid sphygmomanometers should be calibrated regularly, recommended every 6 months, to ensure accurate measurement results.
Accurate Reading:
When reading the pressure gauge, keep your eye level with the needle to avoid parallax errors.
Avoid Overinflation:
Avoid overinflation to prevent discomfort or injury to the patient.
