Pg.no. 95
Lightly press the stethoscope's bell over the brachial artery just below the cuff's
edge. Some health care workers have difficulty using the bell in the antecubital
fossa, so we suggest using the bell or the diaphragm to measure the blood pressure.
Rapidly inflate the cuff to 180mmHg. Release air from the cuff at a moderate rate
(3mm/sec).
Listen with the stethoscope and simultaneously observe the sphygmomanometer.
The first knocking sound is the subject's systolic pressure. When the knocking sound
disappears, that is the diastolic pressure (such as 120/80).
Record the pressure in both arms and note the difference; also record the subject's
position (supine), which arm was used and the cuff size (small, standard or large
adult cuff).
If the subject's pressure is elevated, measure blood pressure two additional times,
waiting a few minutes between measurements.
There are a number of factors that can affect accuracy:
Damaged or outdated test strips
Extreme temperatures: keep meter and strips at room temperature
Proper coding: some meters must be coded to your particular test strips
Monitor use/functionality: make sure you’re inserting the strip properly, and that the
batteries are up to snuff.
Sample size: most monitors need a generous drop of blood to get an accurate
reading.
Red blood cell count: dehydration can skew your numbers; if you have anemia the
reading is likely to be less accurate.
Process of Checking Sugar:
A blood sugar test is a procedure that measures the amount of sugar, or glucose, in your
blood. Your doctor may order this test to help diagnose diabetes. People with diabetes can
also use this test to manage their condition.
Blood sugar tests provide instant results and let you know the following:
your diet or exercise routine needs to change
how your diabetes medications or treatment is working
if your blood sugar levels are high or low
your overall treatment goals for diabetes are manageable
Your doctor may also order a blood sugar test as part of a routine checkup. They may also be
looking to see if you have diabetes or prediabetes, a condition where your blood sugar levels
are higher than normal.
Your risk for diabetes increases if any of the following factors are true: