11. Slowly open the air deflation valve
by turning it counterclockwise.
Release the air at a rate of 2 mmHg
per second.
12. Listen carefully for your pulse beat.
Watch the gauge needle. When you
hear the first thumping sound note
the reading on the gauge.
This is your SYSTOLIC blood
pressure value.
13. When you no longer hear any sounds note the reading on the gauge.
This is your DIASTOLIC blood pressure value.
14. Turn the air deflation valve counterclockwise to release the
remainder of the air. Remove the stethoscope binaural from your
ears. Remove the cuff from your arm. Record your reading in the
Blood Pressure Log.
NOTE: If you make a mistake, do not immediately reinflate the cuff.
Release all the air in the cuff.
Wait 5 minutes. The wait time allows the arteries to return to the
condition prior to taking the blood pressure measurement.
TAKING A MEASUREMENT
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