Medical Assistant Prep / Unit 13 MAS 306 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
The Two-Step Manual Method
The idea
A manual blood pressure is often taken in two steps: first estimate by feel, then measure by sound.
In practice
Step one: feel the radial or brachial pulse and inflate the cuff until the pulse disappears. Note that level, then deflate fully. Step two: place the stethoscope lightly over the brachial artery and inflate to about thirty points above the level where the pulse disappeared. Step three: release the valve so the pressure falls slowly and steadily, about two to three points per second. Step four: the first tapping sound you hear is the systolic pressure. Step five: keep deflating; the point where the sounds disappear completely is the diastolic pressure. Step six: deflate completely, remove the cuff, and record the reading.
Where people slip
The first step tells you how high to inflate in the second, so follow the full method the practice uses rather than guessing a number.
Your place on the trail
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