How to Read a Mercury Sphygmomanometer201

A mercury sphygmomanometer is a device used to measure blood pressure. It consists of an inflatable cuff, a mercury manometer, and a bulb with a valve. The cuff is wrapped around the upper arm, and the bulb is used to inflate the cuff. As the cuff is inflated, the pressure in the artery under the cuff increases. The mercury in the manometer rises until it reaches the same pressure as the artery. The height of the mercury column in the manometer is then read to determine the blood pressure.

To read a mercury sphygmomanometer, follow these steps:
Wrap the cuff around the upper arm, snugly but not too tightly. The bottom edge of the cuff should be about 1 inch above the elbow crease.
Close the valve on the bulb.
Inflate the cuff until the mercury column reaches the top of the scale.
Slowly release the air from the cuff while listening for the Korotkoff sounds.

The Korotkoff sounds are a series of tapping or thumping sounds that can be heard through a stethoscope placed over the brachial artery. The first Korotkoff sound is the systolic blood pressure, and the fifth Korotkoff sound is the diastolic blood pressure.
Note the height of the mercury column at the first Korotkoff sound. This is the systolic blood pressure.
Continue to release the air from the cuff until the Korotkoff sounds disappear. This is the diastolic blood pressure.
Deflate the cuff completely.

Here are some tips for reading a mercury sphygmomanometer accurately:
Make sure that the patient is relaxed and has been sitting quietly for at least 5 minutes before taking the blood pressure.
Use a stethoscope with good acoustic quality.
Position the stethoscope over the brachial artery so that the bell is pointing towards the elbow.
Listen carefully for the Korotkoff sounds.
Read the height of the mercury column at the first and fifth Korotkoff sounds.

If you are having difficulty reading a mercury sphygmomanometer, ask a healthcare professional to help you.

2025-01-05

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