March 1, 2024
Blood pressure is a numerical reading with one number on top and one on the bottom. The top number of your blood pressure reading tells you the force of the blood against artery walls when your heart beats. It is called systolic pressure. The bottom number tells you what your blood pressure is when your heart is at rest between heartbeats. It is called diastolic pressure.
It is measured with the Blood Pressure Cuff which should be placed above the elbow on the arm.
Correct BP Posture: legs uncrossed, cuff on bare arm (not over clothing), cuff the correct size (let us know if cuff is too small, or if a bigger cuff is needed), empty bladder, patient sits quietly not talking or moving, support relaxed straight arm, supported back and feet.
Systolic (the top number) 90-160 is considered normal.
Diastolic (the bottom number) 50-100 is considered normal.
This is called hypertension. This may be asymptomatic, but even when no health concerns are presented by the patient, a high blood pressure still requires follow-up from an RN.
The patient may experience headache, blurred vision, light headedness, dizziness, chest pain, etc. Chest pain is the most concerning and requires follow-up by the RN right away.
This is called hypotension. This may be asymptomatic, but even when no health concerns are presented by the patient, a low blood pressure still requires follow-up from an RN.
The patient may experience blurred vision, light headedness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, confusion, unconsciousness, etc. Lethargy, confusion, and unconsciousness are the most concerning and require follow-up by the RN right away
