How to Use a Mercury Sphygmomanometer Correctly (Video)376

Introduction

A mercury sphygmomanometer is a medical device used to measure blood pressure. It consists of an inflatable cuff, a mercury-filled column, and a stethoscope. Mercury sphygmomanometers are considered to be the most accurate type of blood pressure monitor, but they are also the most difficult to use. This article will provide instructions on how to use a mercury sphygmomanometer correctly.

Materials

You will need the following materials to use a mercury sphygmomanometer:
Mercury sphygmomanometer
Stethoscope
Patient

Instructions
Prepare the patient. Have the patient sit in a comfortable position with their arm resting on a table. Make sure that the patient's arm is at heart level.
Wrap the cuff around the patient's arm. The cuff should be snug, but not too tight. The bottom edge of the cuff should be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the elbow crease.
Close the valve on the bulb. This will prevent air from escaping from the cuff.
Inflate the cuff. Use the bulb to inflate the cuff until the mercury column reaches the desired pressure. The desired pressure will vary depending on the patient's age and health condition.
Listen for the Korotkoff sounds. Place the stethoscope over the brachial artery, which is located on the inside of the elbow. Listen for the Korotkoff sounds, which are a series of tapping sounds. The first Korotkoff sound is the systolic blood pressure. The last Korotkoff sound is the diastolic blood pressure.
Deflate the cuff. Slowly open the valve on the bulb to deflate the cuff. The mercury column will drop as the cuff deflates.
Record the blood pressure. Record the systolic blood pressure and the diastolic blood pressure in a blood pressure log.

Video

The following video demonstrates how to use a mercury sphygmomanometer correctly:

Tips
It is important to use a mercury sphygmomanometer correctly in order to obtain accurate blood pressure readings.
If you are not sure how to use a mercury sphygmomanometer, ask a healthcare professional for help.
Mercury sphygmomanometers are not recommended for use on pregnant women or children.
If you have any questions about your blood pressure, talk to your doctor.

2024-12-13

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