2 Blood Pressure Assessment Free Online FlashCards

What does blood pressure represent?

Blood pressure is the force blood exerts against arterial walls.

How is cardiac output calculated?

Cardiac output is heart rate multiplied by stroke volume: $\mathrm{CO}=\mathrm{HR}\times\mathrm{SV}$.

What do the first and disappearing Korotkoff sounds indicate in adults?

The first Korotkoff sound indicates systolic pressure; disappearance of the sounds in adults indicates diastolic pressure.

What should be done when an adult's reading is above $180$ systolic and/or $120$ diastolic?

For an adult with systolic pressure above $180$ mm Hg and/or diastolic pressure above $120$ mm Hg, repeat the measurement after at least one minute. If it remains high, contact a health professional promptly.

Why does normal blood pressure not rule out early deterioration?

A normal blood pressure does not rule out early deterioration: compensatory responses can temporarily preserve pressure. Consider trends, symptoms, other vital signs, and perfusion findings.

What do systolic and diastolic blood pressure represent?

Systolic pressure is the peak arterial pressure during ventricular contraction; diastolic pressure is the lowest pressure between contractions.

What is pulse pressure, and what influences it?

Pulse pressure is systolic pressure minus diastolic pressure: $\mathrm{PP}=\mathrm{SBP}-\mathrm{DBP}$. It is influenced by stroke volume and arterial stiffness.

How is mean arterial pressure estimated at ordinary heart rates?

At ordinary heart rates, estimate mean arterial pressure as $\mathrm{MAP}\approx\frac{\mathrm{SBP}+2\times\mathrm{DBP}}{3}$.

What is an important limitation of MAP?

MAP is a useful indicator of perfusion pressure, but it does not by itself prove that organs are adequately perfused.

What is preload, and how can low blood volume affect it?

Preload describes ventricular filling and myocardial stretch at the end of diastole. Low circulating volume can reduce preload and stroke volume.

How does vasodilation affect systemic vascular resistance?

Vasoconstriction generally increases systemic vascular resistance; vasodilation decreases it.

How can an incorrectly sized blood pressure cuff affect the reading?

A cuff that is too small can read falsely high; one that is too large can read falsely low.