Practical Procedure for Carrying Out a Blood Pressure Test
 Blood pressure (BP) measurement is a
fundamental clinical procedure used
to assess the pressure exerted by
circulating blood on the walls of
blood vessels.
 Accurate BP measurement is crucial
for diagnosing and managing various
medical
conditions,
such
as
hypertension.
 The procedure can be performed
using a manual sphygmomanometer
and stethoscope or an automated
blood pressure monitor. Below is a
detailed step-by-step guide for both
methods.
Materials Needed Carrying Out a Blood Pressure Test


Manual Method:

Sphygmomanometer (blood pressure cuff)

Stethoscope

Alcohol swabs
earpieces)
(for
cleaning
Automated Method:

Digital blood pressure monitor
stethoscope
Pre-Test Preparation
Patient Preparation:
 Ensure the patient is relaxed and seated
comfortably with their back supported.
 The patient's feet should be flat on the
floor, and legs should not be crossed.
 The arm used for the measurement
should be bare, supported at heart
level, and slightly flexed.
 Ask the patient to avoid caffeine
 exercise, and smoking for at least 30
minutes prior to the test.
 Allow the patient to rest quietly for 5
minutes before taking the measurement
Equipment Preparation
 Check
the
sphygmomanometer
for
accuracy
and
ensure the stethoscope
is
clean
and
functioning
 If using an automated
monitor, ensure it is
properly calibrated and
has fresh batteries.
Equipment Preparation
Procedure: Manual Method
Cuff Placement:
 Wrap the blood pressure cuff snugly around
the upper arm, positioning it so that the lower
edge of the cuff is about 2.5 cm (1 inch) above
the antecubital fossa (bend of the elbow).
 Ensure the cuff’s bladder is centered over the
brachial artery.
Positioning the Stethoscope:
 Place the stethoscope’s earpieces in your ears,
ensuring they are pointed forward
 Position the stethoscope’s diaphragm over the
brachial artery, just below the cuff’s edge.
Equipment Preparation
Inflation and Measurement:
Close the valve on the bulb and inflate the cuff by
squeezing the bulb until the pressure is about 20-30
mmHg above the expected systolic pressure (usually
around 180-200 mmHg).
Gradually release the valve to deflate the cuff at a rate
of 2-3 mmHg per second.
Listen for the first appearance of repetitive sounds
(Korotkoff sounds). The pressure at which you hear the
first sound is the systolic pressure.
Continue to deflate the cuff and note the pressure at
which the Korotkoff sounds disappear. This is the
diastolic pressure.
Recording the Results:
Record the systolic and diastolic pressures, typically
presented as “systolic/diastolic” (e.g., 120/80 mmHg).
Automated Method
Cuff Placement:
Wrap the blood pressure cuff snugly around the upper
arm, ensuring correct positioning as indicated by the
monitor's instructions (usually similar to the manual
method).
Initiating the Measurement:
Turn on the digital monitor and follow the on-screen
instructions.
Press the start button to begin the measurement. The
cuff will automatically inflate and gradually deflate.
Reading the Results:
The monitor will display the systolic and diastolic
pressures on the screen once the measurement is
complete.
Record the results as displayed (e.g., 120/80 mmHg).
Automated Method
Post-Test Procedures
Patient Care:
 Remove the cuff from
the patient’s arm.
 Ensure the patient
feels comfortable and
has no questions or
concerns about the
measurement.
Interpretation of Results

Normal Blood Pressure: Systolic < 120 mmHg and Diastolic < 80 mmHg

Elevated Blood Pressure: Systolic 120-129 mmHg and Diastolic < 80 mmHg

Hypertension Stage 1: Systolic 130-139 mmHg or Diastolic 80-89 mmHg

Hypertension Stage 2: Systolic ≥ 140 mmHg or Diastolic ≥ 90 mmHg

Hypertensive Crisis: Systolic > 180 mmHg and/or Diastolic > 120 mmHg (requires
immediate medical attention)
SOME OF HYPERTENSIVE DRUGS ARE
amlodipine, diltiazem, verapamil, doxazosin, prazosin, terazosin, clonidine, methyldopa,
hydralazine, minoxidil
Interpretation of Results

Normal Blood Pressure: Systolic < 120 mmHg and Diastolic < 80 mmHg

Elevated Blood Pressure: Systolic 120-129 mmHg and Diastolic < 80 mmHg

Hypertension Stage 1: Systolic 130-139 mmHg or Diastolic 80-89 mmHg

Hypertension Stage 2: Systolic ≥ 140 mmHg or Diastolic ≥ 90 mmHg

Hypertensive Crisis: Systolic > 180 mmHg and/or Diastolic > 120 mmHg (requires
immediate medical attention)
SOME OF HYPERTENSIVE DRUGS ARE
amlodipine, diltiazem, verapamil, doxazosin, prazosin, terazosin, clonidine, methyldopa,
hydralazine, minoxidil
Safety and Accuracy Tips



Always use the correct cuff size for the
patient’s
arm
to
ensure
accurate
measurements.
Avoid talking to the patient during the
measurement to prevent inaccuracies.
Take multiple readings (at least two, spaced 12 minutes apart) and average the results for
greater accuracy