How to Read Blood Pressure Gauges

A blood pressure gauge is also called a sphygmomanometer. Reading this device is simple, but reading it correctly does take some practice. When taking someone's blood pressure you are using this gauge to identify the Korotkoff sounds created by the pumping of blood. Associating these sounds with numbers on the gauge is what gives you a blood pressure reading.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Set up the person for taking blood pressure. Wrap the cuff around the upper arm, put the stethoscope earpieces in your ears and place the stethoscope along the inside of the patient's arm, under the cuff.

2. Pump up the bulb until the needle on the sphygmomanometer reaches between 140 to 180 mmHg.

3. Deflate the air out of the bulb very slowly and keep your eye on the needle while listening for a beating sound.

4. Take note at which number the needle is at along the sphygmomanometer when you hear the first beating sound. This is the systolic blood pressure reading, or the top number.

5. Continue to watch the needle decrease and listen for the very last beating sound. The point at which you hear the last beating sound is the number for diastolic blood pressure, or the bottom number.

Tips & Warnings

• As you continue to practice you will be able to see the needle vibrate as it lowers. This will help you verify the correct number comparing it to the sounds you hear in the stethoscope.
• Release the air slowly, but not too slowly. You want it to be steady and consistent so that you can easily here the Korotkoff sounds.

Resources

• Blood Pressure Monitoring

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