LABORATORY EXERCISE 41

PULSE RATE AND BLOOD PRESSURE

Instructional Suggestions

The following suggestions should be considered when trying to obtain an accurate blood pressure:

1.     The room environment should have a moderate temperature and be quiet (no talking).

2.     The client needs to be relaxed and comfortable. A temporary increase in blood pressure could exist from smoking, pain,

        anxiety, or a full urinary bladder.

3.     Palpate the pulse first so that you are certain to pump the cuff high enough to not miss the first tapping sound. It also assures that you do not pump the cuff so high that we alter the blood pressure when releasing air.

Laboratory Report Answers

PART A

1.     Arterial                                                                                            6.     Sphygmomanometer

2.     Systolic                                                                                           7.     Millimeters of mercury (mm Hg)

3.     Diastolic                                                                                          8.     Systolic

4.     Heart                                                                                               9.     Pulse pressure                

5.     Pressure                                                                                          10.   Brachial

PART B

1.     (test results)                                                                                     2.     Answers will vary.

PART C

1.     (test results)                                                                                     3.     Answers will vary.

2.     (test results)                                                                                     4.     Answers will vary.

Critical Thinking Application Answer

A palpated pulse would be characteristic of the systolic pressure as the arterial wall is expanding at that moment under the higher pressure.