Question

What step should the nurse follow when taking a toddler's blood pressure?

1) Use an ultrasonic stethoscope.
2) Choose a cuff labeled 'toddler'.
3) Use a pediatric stethoscope bell to hear Korotkoff sounds.
4) Place the stethoscope firmly on the antecubital fossa for good auscultation.

Answer 1

To measure a toddler's blood pressure, a cuff labeled 'toddler' is used, air is pumped into the cuff to stop blood flow, and a stethoscope is placed on the antecubital region to listen for Korotkoff sounds indicating systolic and diastolic pressures.

Step-by-step explanation:

When taking a toddler's blood pressure, the nurse should follow these steps: The clinician wraps an inflatable cuff, which should be appropriately sized and often labeled 'toddler', around the patient’s arm at about the level of the heart. The clinician uses a rubber pump to inject air into the cuff, raising pressure around the artery and stopping the blood flow in the arm temporarily. Then, the clinician places the stethoscope on the patient's antecubital region - the area of the arm opposite the elbow - and listens for the Korotkoff sounds while slowly letting air out of the cuff. The first Korotkoff sound indicates the systolic pressure, and the moment the sounds disappear completely indicates diastolic pressure. Although an ultrasonic stethoscope could be used, it is not mandatory; a standard pediatric stethoscope is typically used.