Necessary actions to accurately assess blood pressure are detailed, including both palpatory and auscultatory measurements.  Specific details for using a stethoscope, aneroid and mercury manometers, different size ciffs as well as automatic electonic devices are included.  Actula Kortkoff sounds are traced through each phase, folloed by clinical demonstrations and essential documentation.

Viewing this program, will help the learner to:

• Define systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
• Compare the mercury and aneroid manometers and describe how to read the blood pressure measurement on each.
• Identify the parts of the stethoscope and sphygmomanometer.
• Identify four factors that can influence the blood pressure reading.
• List two contraindictions for using a specific arm for blood pressure measurements.
• Demonstrate the technique for measuring blood pressure.
• Discuss the difference between palpatory and auscultatory blood pressure measurements.
• Define ausculatory gap.
• Describe Korotkoff sounds.