PERFORMANCE CHECKLIST

TAKING BLOOD PRESSURE

PROCEDURE

1.
2.
3.
4.

Assess for factors that affect blood pressure.

Determine clients baseline blood pressure.
Wash hands.
Determine which extremity is most appropriate
for reading.
5. Prepare materials (BP apparatus and
sphygmomanometer). Select a cuff size that
completely encircles clients upper arm, without
overlapping bladder ends.
6. Inform client and explain the procedure.
7. Position client appropriately.
8. Move clients clothing away from upper of arm
9. Position clients arm level, extending elbow with
palm turned upward, have client relax arm and
not overly tighten elbow.
10. Wrap deflated cuff evenly around the upper
arm. For an adult, place the lower border of the
cuff approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch ) above the
antecubital space.
11. Apply cuff snugly and smoothly over upper arm.
12. Palpate the brachial artery in the antecubital
space using the index and middle finger.
13. Insert earpleces of stethoscope.
14. Relocate brachial pulse and place bell or
diaphragm directly over brachial pulse. Hold the
diaphragm with the thumb and index finger,
15. Close the valve on the pump by turning the
knob clockwise.
16. Inflate cuff to 30 mmHg above the normal
systolic reading of the client
17. Release the valve of the cuff carefully so that
the pressure decreases at the rate of 2-3 mmHg
per second. As the pressure falls, identify the
manometer reading by listening for the
korotkoffs sounds.
18. Mark the first audible sound as the systolic
pressure reading and the last audible sound as
the diastolic pressure reading.
19. After the final sound has disappeared, deflate
cuff rapidly and completely.
20. Remove cuff or wait 2 minutes before taking a
second reading
21. Inform client of reading.
22. Position client comfortable in bed.
23. Put all equipments in proper place.
24. Wash hands.
25. Document and report pertinent data

DONE

SCORE

NOT
DONE

2
2
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
2
2
3
2
2
3

3
2
2
2
2
1
1
1

Name: ____________________

Score: _______________

Section: ___________________

Date: _______________

Instructor:__________________