How To Use A Blood Pressure Cuff

The home blood pressure monitor you choose should be the one that s right for you not necessarily the one your friend or neighbor likes.

How to use a blood pressure cuff. Two types of blood pressure monitors are designed for home use. To monitor your blood pressure using an automatic blood pressure monitor find a comfortable place to sit with good back support at a table or desk. Make sure it fits. When you are taking your reading keep still and silent.

Wrap the cuff around the upper arm with the cuff s lower edge one inch above the antecubital fossa. A wrist blood pressure monitor is a good option if you can t use a regular cuff or if you want a monitor that s portable and convenient. Make sure you are relaxed and comfortable. When using a wrist blood pressure monitor take extra care to use it properly.

When you re ready to take your blood pressure sit quietly for three to five minutes beforehand. However these monitors take your blood pressure in a different place meaning you must be particular about how you take your reading for accuracy. It s difficult to use if you re hearing or visually impaired or if you re unable to perform the hand movements needed to squeeze the bulb and inflate the cuff. To begin place the cuff on your bare upper arm one inch above the bend of your elbow.

When you re ready to take your blood pressure sit quietly for three to five minutes beforehand. See our full length cna skill videos. Put the cuff on following the instructions that came with your monitor. Correct placement of the blood pressure cuff is vital in getting a proper blood pressure reading.

To monitor your blood pressure pick up an automatic cuff style blood pressure monitor that you can use at home from a pharmacy or medical supply store. Follow this smart shopper checklist. How to take your blood pressure using a home blood pressure monitor. Before checking your blood pressure you need to prepare yourself for an accurate reading by not eating drinking or exercising in the 30 minutes before your test.

The length of the cuff s bladder should be at least equal to 80 of the circumference of the upper arm. A helpful tool in blood pressure monitoring is a home blood pressure monitor. Slide the cuff onto your arm making sure that the stethoscope head is over the artery when using a manual monitor the cuff may be marked with an arrow to show the location of the stethoscope head. Place your feet flat on the floor and rest your arm on a tabletop even with your heart.