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SPECIAL SITU
SPECIAL SITU
SPECIAL SITU
SPECIAL SITUATIONS
ATIONS
ATIONS
ATIONS
Special Situations
Special Situations
Special Situations
Special Situations
Unique circumstances, such as the patient’s age or physiological disturbances, require you to
take special care while measuring blood pressure or vital signs. The more common examples
of such circumstances are described here, to assist you in using your
SunTech 247
optimally
under such conditions. You can find recommendations on dealing with each of these special
situations in the American Heart Association’s current scientific statement on
recommendations for blood pressure measurement or the British Hypertension Society’s
current guidelines for management of hypertension.
Measuring Blood Pressure in Children
Typically, children exhibit greater variability in blood pressure than do adults. They are more
likely to be crying, eating or restless in a clinical situation, further increasing the potential for
variability.
Measuring Blood Pressure in Obese Patients
There appears to be a positive correlation between obesity and hypertension. Due to the
increased arm circumference of obese patients, use of a "standard" cuff may lead to blood
pressure being erroneously elevated – a condition known as "cuff hypertension."
Selecting an Appropriate Cuff for Obese Patients:
•
For larger-than-normal upper arms, use a wider and longer cuff than you would
otherwise use.
•
Prominent biceps in a muscular upper arm require a large cuff.
Measuring Blood Pressure in the Presence of Arrhythmia
Irregular cardiac rhythms can result in a large variation in blood pressure from beat-to-beat.
If you are using the
SunTech 247
on a patient with known arrhythmia, we recommend that
you follow up with a Sphygmode BP reading as a confirmatory measure.
In patients with severe regular bradycardia, take Sphygmode rather than automatic readings.
Measuring Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
Hypertension is a common medical disorder of pregnancy, occurring in about ten percent of
pregnancies. Detection of elevated blood pressure is essential to optimal prenatal care.