Final answer:
To estimate systolic blood pressure, a nurse uses a sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope, listening for Korotkoff sounds as the cuff is deflated. The first appearance of these sounds as the cuff deflates marks the systolic blood pressure, recorded as the higher value in the reading. Routine monitoring of blood pressure is crucial for managing cardiovascular health.
Step-by-step explanation:
To estimate an adult client's systolic blood pressure (SBP), a nurse should use a sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope. The process starts with the nurse wrapping the cuff around the patient's upper arm and inflating it to a level above what they expect the SBP to be. As the nurse slowly deflates the cuff, they listen for the Korotkoff sounds using the stethoscope. The first appearance of faint but clear tapping sounds indicates the arterial pressure during ventricular contraction, which is the SBP. This pressure is recorded as the higher value in a blood pressure reading, typically around 120 mm Hg in a healthy adult.
As the cuff's pressure continues to decrease, the tapping sounds persist and then suddenly become muffled and finally disappear altogether; this marks the diastolic blood pressure (DBP). SBP and DBP are written as a ratio, with SBP over DBP (e.g., 120/80). Blood pressure measurements can fluctuate based on various factors, including exercise, sleep, stress, and other physiological conditions.
Routine blood pressure monitoring is essential for assessing cardiovascular health and identifying conditions like hypertension. The nurse must be attentive and accurate while taking measurements to ensure proper blood pressure management and care planning for the client.