TAKING YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE READING
Before taking a reading, review the section under Features & Assembly of your unit and ensure
every piece is properly assembled. Reminder, it is important to avoid smoking, eating, taking
medication, alcohol consumption or physical activity 30 minutes prior to taking a reading.
NOTE: For the purposes of these instructions, the individual
taking the reading will be refered to as the CAREGIVER, the person
receiving the reading will be refered to as the PATIENT.
Applying the Cuff and Arm Positioning - Patient
1.
Apply the cuff as instructed earlier in this manual.
2.
Rest your elbow on a table with your palm and arm facing
upward. Elevate your hand so that the wrist is at the same level as your
heart, Fig 1. Relax your left hand.
Preparing to Take the Measurement - Caregiver
3.
Position yourself in front of the patient, seated at the same level.
4.
Place the stethoscope eartips in your ears and place the chestpiece of the
stethoscope on the inside of the patients arm. The chestpiece should be
partially under the cuff directly over the brachial artery.
5.
Dual-head stethoscopes feature a 2-sided rotating chestpiece, Fig 2.
Flat / larger side—general use
Bell shaped / smaller side—low-pitched sounds, typically used for
detecting irregular heart sounds
Tap the chestpiece; if you are unable to hear the tapping, rotate the chestpiece until an
audible click is heard, ensuring the chestpiece is in the proper position.
6.
Either hold the gauge in in your hand or position the gauge so it can be read without
being moved, such as clipped to a thick notebook or folded towel in front of you.
7.
Hold the inflation bulb with your free hand and turn the air release valve clockwise to
close, Fig 3.
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Close Valve
Fig. 3
ENGLISH • 13