MEASURING BLOOD PRESSURE
LTC Nursing Assistant Trainer, February 15, 2006
Blood pressure is measured by two numbers-the systolic and diastolic. The systolic pressure is the upper number; it's the first sound heard when a clinician takes blood pressure and the greatest force exerted on the artery walls caused by the contraction of the heart. Diastolic pressure is the lower number and least force exerted on the artery walls when the heart is resting between beats.
Although one high reading doesn't necessarily indicate a problem, CNAs should report any high readings and recheck the resident over a period of time. The following ranges are generally accepted for all ages:
*Normal blood pressure: Systolic reading is below 140 and diastolic is below 90.
* Borderline hypertension: Systolic is 140-159 and/or diastolic is 90-94
* Hypertension:Systolic is 160 or higher and/or diastolic is 95 or higher.
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