4.4. Measuring procedure
4.4.1. Connect stethoscope tubing to the chestpiece
After the cuff is properly worn on the arm, connect stethoscope
tubing of to the chestpiece attached on the cuff. Make sure the
chestpiece is in contact with skin and above the brachial artery.
Wear the binaural (earpieces) properly to check the Korotkoff's
sound during measurement.
Before using the stethoscope, be sure there is no crack on
the diaphragm, earpieces, and tubing. Any improper setup or
damage of the stethoscope will cause distorted sound or poor
sound transmission to make inaccurate reading.
4.4.2. Inflating the cuff
Close the air valve on the bulb by turning the screw clock wise.
Do not over-tighten. Squeeze the inflation bulb with the hand at
a steady rate until the pointer on the gauge is 30 mmHg above
your normal systolic pressure value. If you are not sure the
value, inflate to 200 mmHg first.
4.4.3. Systolic blood pressure reading
Slowly open air valve by turning screw counter clockwise and
hold stethoscope chestpiece over brachial artery. Proper de-
flation rate is essential for an accurate reading, so you should
practice and master a recommended defla tion rate of 2 - 3 mmHg
per second or a drop of 1 - 2 marks on the pressure gauge each
heartbeat. You should not keep the cuff inflated any longer than
necessary. As the cuff begins to deflate, you must listen care-
fully with the stethoscope. Note the reading on the gauge as
soon as you hear a faint, rhythmic tapping or thumping sounds.
This is the systolic blood pressure reading. Listen care fully and
familiarize yourself with pulse (Korotkoff's) sound.
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