Blood Pressure Measurement: Factors Affecting Incorrect Readings

Abstract

Nurses are responsible for monitoring and assessing blood pressure (BP) in the clinical setting Accurate measurement of BP is considered paramount in the management of cardiovascular risks. Despite advances in the monitoring of BP, knowledge of BP measurement is still poorly understood in both the medical and nursing professions. Accurate blood pressure measurement saves Lives surprisingly. Even a small difference in measurement can have a considerable impact on the prevalence of cardiovascular events and life expectancy. Evidence has increasingly demonstrated that inaccurate measurement techniques often lead to the misclassification of large numbers of individuals as hypertensive. The impact of untreated or poorly treated hypertension on the health of patients is a major contributor to the overall burden of adult diseases in any population. Blood pressure determination continues to be an important measurement in clinical medicine, but is one of the most inaccurately performed measurements. Blood pressure is a powerful, consistent, and independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and renal disease. Improper readings of BP can lead to over or under treatment of a patient. Health care providers can make measuring BP errors free by avoiding the following pitfalls; inadequate BP equipment, incorrect positioning, improper cuff bladder size, incorrect technique and at least two readings are recommended (separated by 10-15 minutes if possible).