Test: Blood pressure

Video Link

Background/Purpose

Procedure

Blood pressure is a measure of circulating blood against the walls of arterial blood vessels. It is measured using a stethoscope and a blood pressure cuff. It is the maximum pressure (systolic) over minimum pressure (diastolic). The cuff is placed on either upper arm and is inflated until the radial pulse is no longer felt. When air is released from the cuff, the stethoscope is placed over the inside of the elbow. The blood pressure is measured when the pulse is heard for the first time ( which is referred to as the systolic pressure ) and the last time ( which is referred to as the diastolic pressure ). These values can be seen (as pulsations) by looking at the meter on the blood pressure cuff as the needle approaches zero.
Performed: Unilaterally

Dialog

Using a stethoscope and a blood pressure cuff. It is the maximum pressure (systolic) over minimum pressure (diastolic).

Criteria

• A normal blood pressure in an adult is 120/80.
• A systolic greater than 120 on multiple checks is considered hypertensive and requires follow up with a doctor
• A diastolic greater than 90 on multiple checks requires follow up with a doctor.

Measurement

120/80 mmHg

LOINC Code

8478-0

Scale/Grading

Pass/Fail