Final answer:
Before measuring a woman's blood pressure, it is important to inquire about any medical interventions such as mastectomy, lymph node dissection, or the presence of AV shunts. Correct positioning of the arm and the manometer is essential, as is the use of a mercury-filled manometer, to ensure accurate measurements.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before measuring blood pressure (BP) in a female patient's arm, it is essential to inquire about specific conditions that can interfere with the measurement. Asking if she has had a recent mastectomy or lymph node dissection on any arm is crucial as measuring BP on that side could cause pain or complications. In addition, one should check for the presence of arteriovenous (AV) shunts or fistulas for dialysis, which can be damaged by the BP cuff. These pre-measurement questions are to ensure the accuracy of the readings and prevent any harm to the patient.
During the procedure, the clinician wraps an inflatable cuff around the patient's arm, at about the level of the heart, then uses a rubber pump to inject air into the cuff, creating pressure around the artery. While the cuff's air is gradually released, blood flow and pressure changes are monitored using a stethoscope placed on the patient's antecubital region for Audible Korotkoff sounds or a mercury-filled manometer for visual reference.
Positioning is also critical when measuring BP. If the manometer is lowered relative to the arm, the measured pressure may be higher than the actual pressure. Raising the arm above the shoulder can decrease the measured pressure, while cuff placement on the upper leg with the person standing can give different readings due to the weight of the fluid (blood) in the limb. Understanding these principles is essential for obtaining an accurate blood pressure measurement.