- #1
- 908
- 572
Is it ok to gently squeeze the bulb just after crossing the systolic or diastolic threshold, just to make sure of the exact value?
With the automatic machines which have largely taken over this is probably a bad idea, in fact some will simply go higher still to try and compensate.Swamp Thing said:Is it ok to gently squeeze the bulb just after crossing the systolic or diastolic threshold, just to make sure of the exact value?
Re-inflating gently around threshold refers to the practice of slightly increasing the air pressure in the cuff after it has been partially deflated during a blood pressure measurement, specifically when the systolic (top number) pressure is being determined. This technique is used if the initial deflation was too rapid and the first Korotkoff sound (which indicates systolic pressure) was missed or not clearly heard.
Yes, it is generally safe to re-inflate the cuff during a blood pressure measurement, but it should be done carefully and not frequently. Over-inflation or frequent re-inflation can cause discomfort or pain to the patient and potentially lead to inaccurate readings. It’s important to ensure that re-inflation is done gently and only as necessary to capture an accurate measurement.
Re-inflating the cuff can potentially affect the accuracy of the blood pressure reading if not done correctly. If the cuff is re-inflated too much or too frequently, it can temporarily restrict blood flow, which may result in a higher systolic reading. To avoid this, only a small amount of air should be added back to the cuff to reach the pressure level just before the first Korotkoff sound was expected.
The recommended technique for re-inflating the cuff involves inflating the cuff to a pressure higher than the expected systolic pressure, then deflating it slowly and steadily. If the systolic pressure is missed, one should wait for 15 to 30 seconds before gently re-inflating to just below the level where the last sound was heard, ensuring the process is slow and controlled to accurately capture the systolic reading.
While re-inflating the cuff is generally safe, it can cause discomfort or even pain if the cuff is inflated too quickly or too much. Excessive inflation can compress the arm excessively, potentially affecting blood circulation and causing temporary discomfort. It’s essential to monitor the patient's comfort and avoid unnecessary re-inflation to minimize any risk of discomfort or bruising.