How to Measure Blood Pressure Using Korotkoff Sounds?
1. Preparation: Ensure the patient is seated comfortably with their arm supported at heart level. The patient should rest for at least 5 minutes before the measurement. 2. Cuff Placement: Wrap the blood pressure cuff snugly around the upper arm, aligning the cuff's lower edge approximately one inch above the elbow. 3. Stethoscope Placement: Place the stethoscope's diaphragm over the brachial artery, just below the cuff's edge. 4. Inflation and Deflation: Inflate the cuff to about 20-30 mmHg above the expected systolic pressure. Slowly deflate the cuff at a rate of 2-3 mmHg per second, listening for Korotkoff sounds. 5. Recording: Note the pressure reading when the first Korotkoff sound is heard (systolic) and when the sounds disappear (diastolic).
