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Measuring and recording blood pressure

Rosemary Cook Team Leader, Primary Care Development, North Staffordshire Health Authority

This article describes the factors which affect blood pressure readings and the recommended techniques for measuring and recording blood pressure. It relates to UKCC Professional Development categories: Care enhancement and Reducing Risk

Aim and intended learning outcomes

The aim of this article is to review the recommended techniques for the routine measurement of blood pressure in adults using a mercury sphygmomanometer, and to discuss the importance of accurate measurement and recording. After reading this, the nurse should be able to:

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List a range of valid reasons for recording a person's blood pressure

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Understand the physiological mechanisms which maintain blood pressure

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Discuss external factors which may influence an individual's blood pressure reading

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Describe recommended techniques for the measurement of blood pressure in adults, using a mercury sphygmomanometer

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Identify recommended user checks and maintenance schedules for mercury sphygmomanometers.

Nursing Standard. 11, 7, 51-55. doi: 10.7748/ns.11.7.51.s54

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06 November 1996 / Vol 11 issue 7

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