VITAL SIGNS - Pulse and blood pressure

What is systolic blood pressure? –

The highest pressure recorded when the left ventricle contracts and pushes blood into the aorta.

What is diastolic blood pressure? –

The minimum pressure in the arteries when the ventricles relax (the heart is at rest).

Why is understanding blood pressure important for nurses? –

It helps identify acute or chronic health problems and plan appropriate interventions.

What is blood pressure a measure of? –

The force of blood against the arterial walls as the heart pumps.

What do the systolic and diastolic numbers represent? –

Systolic = pressure during heart contraction; Diastolic = pressure during heart relaxation.

What are the main factors maintaining blood pressure? –

Cardiac output, peripheral resistance, blood volume, blood viscosity, and elasticity of blood vessels.

What is cardiac output? –

The amount of blood the heart pumps per minute.

What is peripheral resistance? –

The resistance blood encounters as it flows through vessels.

What is blood viscosity? –

The thickness of the blood.

What is vessel elasticity? –

The ability of blood vessels to stretch and return to normal shape.

What causes high blood pressure (hypertension)? –

Obesity, smoking, stress, inactivity, high salt intake, excessive alcohol, genetics.

What causes low blood pressure (hypotension)? –

Dehydration, medications, illness, temperature, recent meals, blood loss, age, genetic factors.

How does temperature affect blood pressure? –

Warm temperatures may lower blood pressure.

How does exercise affect blood pressure? –

It raises BP during activity but lowers resting BP over time.

What are Korotkoff's sounds? –

Sounds heard while measuring BP: indicate changes in blood flow.

What is Phase I of Korotkoff's sounds? –

First faint tapping sounds (systolic pressure).

What is Phase V of Korotkoff's sounds? –

Last sound heard before silence (diastolic pressure).

How is blood pressure measured directly? –

Invasively, using an arterial cannula (only in ICU).

How is blood pressure measured indirectly? –

Non-invasively using a stethoscope and sphygmomanometer.

What is a normal adult blood pressure? –

Systolic <120 mmHg and Diastolic <80 mmHg.

Henry's BP is 188/96. What action should the nurse take? –

Educate him about hypertension, suggest lifestyle changes, and refer for further assessment.

What lifestyle changes can help lower blood pressure? –

Exercise, reduce salt, quit smoking, limit alcohol, manage stress, maintain a healthy weight.

What is pulse rate? –

The palpable beating of blood against artery walls, indicating circulatory status.

What affects pulse quality? –

Heart strength, blood volume, and arterial condition.

What does a strong, regular pulse indicate? –

Effective heart pumping and healthy circulation.

What does a weak or hard-to-find pulse suggest? –

Poor heart function or circulation issues.

What factors influence pulse rate? –

Exercise, fever, pain, medications, age, metabolism, posture, haemorrhage.

Where is the most common site to check adult pulse? –

Radial artery (wrist). nearest thumb

When should you assess a client's pulse? –

After surgery, during pain, with heart conditions, after meds, or during IV fluid infusion.

What does decreased fluid volume do to pulse? –

Increases heart rate to compensate for lower blood volume.

How does stress affect pulse rate? –

Increases pulse due to sympathetic nervous system stimulation.

What is the point of maximal impulse (PMI)? –

Located at the 5th intercostal space, mid-clavicular line – used for apical pulse.

Why measure the apical pulse? –

More accurate when peripheral pulses are difficult to detect or in children under 2.

How to measure apical pulse? –

Use a stethoscope, listen at the PMI, and count once beats are clearly heard.