Hi guys. i wasnt sure of the answer, so i asked on my Nurses webpage and here is a response i got when i posed the question "does it matter which are a BP is taken, and is one side higher than the other"....
According to Lewis and Heitkemper:
"BP measurements of both arms should be performed initially to detect any differences between arms. Atherosclerotic narrowing of the subclavian artery can cause a falsely low reading on the side where the narrowing occurs. Therefore the arm with the higher reading should be used for all subsequent BP measurements." and
and Jarvis:
"For each person, verfiy BP in both arms once, either on admission or for the first complete physical examination. Occasionally a 5- to 10-mm Hg difference may occur in BP in the two arms (if values are different, use the higher value)"
Funny enough, it doesnt mention anything about a 3rd arm :}
According to Lewis and Heitkemper:
"BP measurements of both arms should be performed initially to detect any differences between arms. Atherosclerotic narrowing of the subclavian artery can cause a falsely low reading on the side where the narrowing occurs. Therefore the arm with the higher reading should be used for all subsequent BP measurements." and
and Jarvis:
"For each person, verfiy BP in both arms once, either on admission or for the first complete physical examination. Occasionally a 5- to 10-mm Hg difference may occur in BP in the two arms (if values are different, use the higher value)"
Funny enough, it doesnt mention anything about a 3rd arm :}
Went to doctor last week. He had a new nurse, who took my blood pressure and only took it in the left arm. I think it had more to do with the way the chair I was sitting in was located than her choice of arms. Since she got a "good reading" 120/90; there was no taking it in the right arm.
I guess this is not a standardized procedure.
Thanks MrsCheater for your information.
I guess this is not a standardized procedure.
Thanks MrsCheater for your information.
Youre very welcome...and for my opionion, as a nurse and knowing how to take a BP, i find that the nurses in doc offices (never been in a hosp as a pt where they didnt use an automatic cuff) really dont know how to take BPs manually (on the wall thingy). so when i go and my BP is high, i always trend it at work with our auto machine and i do get a variety of readings over different days, but they are all normal. i can believe my BP goes a little high when i get to the mds office, as i get a little excited, but i watch how they do it and its not right. so i would advise u to get a home monitor if you really want to trend and watch your own BPs, or just check once a week at drug store/grocery store pharmacy area. im not saying your mds office nurses cant take a BP, but there are several variables that make me take my BP with a grain of salt.
