Further resources
The following link has a range of useful further reading and resources including educational videos.
Quiz 1: factors affecting BP
- Anne has come to have her BP checked, but had a cigarette and a cup of coffee an hour ago.
Do take blood pressure. If she had had caffeine in the last 20 minutes, this would give a falsely high BP reading as caffeine is a stimulant. One would be bad enough, but having both might even raise it falsely by up to 20mmHg! You should wait 20 minutes if someone has just had caffeine or a cigarette. - Connie has rushed to the surgery, some signs the patient is upset or otherwise distressed, and is ushered in to clinic room.
Do not take BP. BP measured too soon after arrival (not creating a standardised, calm environment) - The nurse is talking to Alan during measurement, and the patient has his legs crossed with arm not outstretched and supported.
Do not take BP. Alan talking may falsely raise his BP by 10/10mmHg! Ask him to remain silent for a couple of minutes and relaxed. His arm should be outstretched and supported at heart level (not higher or lower), doing both of these could give you a more accurate reading by up to 17/21mmHg instead of having it hanging down with him talking! Think about it: that could be the equivalent of 1-2 tablets!
Pulse point
Is important to remember though that in many cases automated machines are the norm, and most recent guidance (NICE, 2011) spells out the occasions in which manual method should be used (i.e. if pulse irregularity present).
Page last reviewed: 21 May 2020
