Reflection on Nursing Skills

The purpose of the skills was to assess students on their development and knowledge in measuring a patient's blood pressure (BP), principles for undertaking blood pressure, monitoring, and how to record and report any abnormal findings. Blood pressure is the force exert on the walls of the blood vessel. (Waugh and Grant 2001). BP forms a fundamental part of a patient’s assessment. It is recorded as a baseline to identify the patient’s usual range. (Bickley and Szilagyi 2009) and vital to identify the degree of care a patient will require and preventing a patient from deteriorating. (Wheatley 2006). The heart maintains circulation by a series of events known as cardiac cycle. The contraction and relaxation of the heart muscle during the cardiac cycle allows blood to flow around the body. Systolic pressure is when the left ventricles contract and pushes blood into the aorta. (Waugh and Grant 2001). Diastolic pressures occur when the ventricles relax and there is the minimum pressure of blood against the blood vessel wall, following closure of the aortic valve closes. (Marieb and Hoehn 2010).

PROCEDURE
Equipment used in measuring the blood pressure complies with a Sphygmomanometer with the appropriate cuff size, Stethoscope, Alcohol – impregnated swap and observation chart.
I decontaminated my hands using bacterial soap and water to reduce the risk of cross infection and maintain patient safety. (DH 2005C).
I ensured the patient has being resting or sitting in a quit room for five to fifteen minutes comfortably Relaxed and the patient has not have caffeine, had smoked or exercise in the previous 30 minutes to release anxiety and ensure an accurate reading is obtained. (British Hypertension Society, BHS, 2006)
I explained the procedure to the patient in order to ensure the patient has full understanding of the procedure and obtain their consent. (NMC 2008). I