Monitoring a patient’s blood pressure is a ‘staple’ when we care for patients – and the patient-facing among us will take a blood pressure almost every day.
But there can be a difference in blood pressure readings depending on what you’re using to take them; an up to 10% differential rate has been reported between taking a blood pressure manually and using the automated facility on the new Corpuls units.
And it’s also worth considering other factors which can affect a patient’s BP reading on a minute-by-minute basis:
The centre of the bladder should be positioned over the brachial artery and the arm should be horizontal, in line with the sternum if possible, and supported. An unsupported arm can produce a variance in reading of up to 10%.
If in doubt, please take three blood pressures for each reading and use the average of the three, as a guide.
Where possible also look to undertake a manual BP as well. The results from both methods should be considered with the patient’s presentation as well.
Published 20th April, 2016