blood pressure

The skill I was observed on was for undertaking a blood pressure measurement. In undertaking this assignment, I have maintained confidentiality and I asked the patient for her consent to carry out procedure for measuring blood pressure according to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) (2008). I was directly supervised and observed by my mentor for all the activities undertaken. I will discuss how I took blood pressure of a patient and further explain rationale behind doing specific way. I will also highlight the importance of having blood pressure checked. Blood pressure is a measurement of the force applied against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood through the body. The pressure is determined by the force and amount of blood pumped and the size and flexibility of the arteries. The blood pressure is continually changing depending on activity, temperature, diet, emotional state, posture, physical state, and drugs. Untreated, high blood pressure can lead to heart problems, strokes, kidney problems and impaired vision, which can occur without warning. The trouble with high blood pressure is that it doesn't present any significant or obvious symptoms and is often referred to as the silent killer, which is what makes having it checked regularly so important.It intends to give overview of the procedure for measurement of blood pressure, factors that can cause an abnormal level of blood pressure and the risk of abnormlities of blood pressure.

I gathered all the right equipment required for measuring blood pressure. I ensured the diaphragm of the stethoscope was turned on. I choose an appropriate sized blood pressure cuff for my patient as most measurement errors occur by not taking the time to choose the proper cuff size. I requested them to take a seat comfortably and made sure the patient is relaxed by allowing few minutes to relax before the first reading. I also asked a patient to remove excess clothing that might interfere with the blood