Lorraine Poulos

35 Observations Blood pressure and pulse readings 1 2 3 4 Know your client’s cardiac function: • Check care plan for alerts Before the task: • Understand directives for reporting variations • Avoid coffee / tea 30 minutes before measuring a BP • Attend hand hygiene • Prepare client appropriately (roll up sleeve / remove jacket) • Check cuff is correct size • Check which arm BP usually taken on (for consistency) • Ensure client is sitting comfortably with arm supported and at heart level During the task: • Apply cuff with arrow facing towards wrist (brachial pulse) • Ask client not to talk during measurement • Turn machine on and monitor reading display • Record reading After the task: • Remove cuff • Reposition client’s sleeve Document: • Reports of dizziness • BP readings and time of reading (e.g. before or after shower, activity) 5 Guide for consumers, carers and workers