BLOOD PRESSURE TAKING: PERFORMANCE CHECK LIST

I. Definition
Blood Pressure - the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the blood vessels as it flows through them.

II. Preparation
A tray with the lining containing the following:

1. Sphygmomanometer
2. Stethoscope
3. Cotton balls soaked in alcohol
4. Wash cloth or hand towel
5. Waste container
6. Tissue paper to line the BP cuff

III. Performance check list

1. Wash hands and gather equipment
2. Wipe the earpieces of the stethoscope with cotton balls
3. Explain the procedure to the patient
4. Apply blood pressure cuff on arm
5. Locate patient's brachial artery.
6. Place earpieces of stethoscope into the ears
7. Close valve on hand bulb.
8. Place diaphragm of the stethoscope over the brachial artery
9. Pump hand bulb to 30 mmHG. Above last beat heard.
10. Note first sound, muffling and last sound heard.
11. Remove cuff from patient's arm and earpieces of the stethoscope from own ears.
12. Wipe earpieces with cotton balls soaked in alcohol
13. Record appropriately, including narrative if necessary.
14. Return the apparatus to its proper place.
15. Wash hands.