Final answer:
When checking a patient's blood pressure, confirm the size and placement of the cuff, inspect for any equipment defects, calibrate the measuring device, monitor for patient discomfort, deflate the cuff gradually, and compare readings to the patient's baseline.
Step-by-step explanation:
When checking a patient's blood pressure, it's important to perform several safety checks.
- Ensure the blood pressure cuff is the correct size for the patient's arm and is placed at the appropriate level of the heart.
- Check the cuff and tubing for any leaks or defects.
- Calibrate the measuring device if necessary to make sure the readings are accurate.
- Monitor the patient for any discomfort or adverse reactions during cuff inflation.
- Gradually deflate the cuff; rapid deflation can cause discomfort or inaccurate readings.
- Make sure to compare readings with patient's baseline and within the context of their clinical presentation.