Welch Allyn Blood Pressure Reading Techniques Poster for EMS Market Quick Reference Guide

BEST PRACTICES FOR TAKING

ACCURATE BLOOD PRESSURE READINGS

FROM WELCH ALLYN

(Use Range Indicator) (Roll Sleeve) (Align with Brachial Artery) (Just Two Fingers) (Do Not Move) (Shhhh) (Support Back—Legs Uncrossed)

Use the proper

size cuff; if two

cuffs fit, use the

larger one

Place the cuff on

a bare arm

Place the artery
marker over the

brachial artery

Apply the cuff

snugly, allowing

room for no more

than two fingers

Once the cuff is

placed, allow the

patient to sit

quietly for a

few minutes

Do not talk to the

patient while

taking the BP

Support the

patient’s back

and feet during

measurement;

keep legs

uncrossed

(Arm at Heart Level)

Keep the upper

arm at heart level

and passively

support the

lower arm

Keep the arm

still during the

measurement

cycle

© 2006 Welch Allyn SM2910 Rev B

IF THE ACCURACY OF A BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT IS IN QUESTION, VERIFY THE ACCURACY USING THE AUSCULTATORY METHOD WITH A CALIBRATED MANUAL INSTRUMENT