Methods of Measuring Blood Pressure

Blood pressure can be assessed directly or indirectly

1. Direct (invasive monitoring) measurement involves the insertion of catheter in to the brachial, radial, or femoral artery. The physician inserts the catheter and the nurse monitors the pressure reading. With use of correct placement, it is highly accurate.

1. Indirect (non invasive methods)
A. The auscultatory
B. The palpatory, and

The auscultatory method is the commonest method used in health activities. When taking blood pressure using stethoscope, the nurse identifies five phases in series of sounds called Korotkoff's sound.

Phase 1: The pressure level at which the 1st joint clear tapping sound is heard, these sounds gradually become more intense. To ensure that they are not extraneous sounds, the nurse should identify at least two consecutive tapping sounds.

Phase 2: The period during deflation when the sound has a swishing quality

Phase 3: The period during which the sounds are crisper and more intense

Phase 4: The time when the sounds become muffled and have a soft blowing quality

Phase 5: The pressure level when the sounds disappear