which of these is measured when a nurse takes a patient’s blood pressure?
What is measured when a nurse takes a patient’s blood pressure?
Answer:
When a nurse takes a patient’s blood pressure, two main measurements are taken: systolic pressure and diastolic pressure.
Systolic Pressure: This is the higher number in a blood pressure reading and represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood out. It is the maximum force exerted on the arterial walls.
Diastolic Pressure: This is the lower number in a blood pressure reading and represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest and refilling with blood between beats. It is the minimum force exerted on the arterial walls.
In addition to systolic and diastolic pressure, the nurse may also measure other parameters such as pulse rate and oxygen saturation levels using a pulse oximeter. These additional measurements provide valuable information about the patient’s overall cardiovascular health. Blood pressure is an important indicator of cardiovascular function and is routinely measured in healthcare settings to assess a patient’s health status and monitor for any potential abnormalities or conditions.