Exploration of nurses knowledge regarding correct way of blood pressure measurement

Blood pressure (BP) measurement by the use of sphygmomanometer and auscultation of brachial artery by stethoscope is the most widespread way of measurement in daily clinical practice. The aim of the present study was to explore nurses' knowledge regarding correct way of measurement of blood pressure by the use of a sphygmomanometer. Method and material: The sample –studied consisted of individuals from all levels of nursing personnel. Data were collected by the use the completion of a specially designed questionnaire which apart from demographic variables, it included items concerning knowledge about the correct way of blood pressure measurement. Results: From the 360 participants, 88% (316) were women, while the mean age of the sample-studied was 36,1 years old. 51,4% of the sample-studied was of tertiary education. In terms of the knowledge of participants, 79,6% knew the correct preparation, 98,6% knew that arm position for blood pressure measurement should be on a pillow or a side table and the 94,8% knew the back should be supported on a chair back. 60,9% of the sample-studied knew that at first time, blood pressure (BP) should be measured in both arms, while 45,9% didn't know that BP should be measured in arm with higher measurement. 78,2% of the participants knew that the correct measurement includes the use of sphygmomanometer and auscultation of brachial artery by stethoscope. 67,9% knew that body and arm position should be in ankle of 45o degrees and that the cuff should be placed around the upper arm at the same vertical height as the heart. 59,8% knew that the cuff should be placed 2-3 cm above the point of auscultation of brachial artery. 45,1% considered that the arm cuff should be inflated manually until when the height of the column of mercury approaches 200 mmHg. 52,3% knew the correct rhythm (2-3 mmHg/sec) that the pressure in the cuff should be released. 88,4% knew the sounds corresponding to the measurement of Systolic blood pressure and 72,7% the sounds corresponding to the measurement of Diastolic blood pressure. Conclusion: For the improvement of nurses' knowledge and skills regarding correct way of measurement of blood pressure, emphasis should be given on the lifelong learning.

Keywords: Blood pressure measurement, sphygmomanometer, auscultation of brachial artery, stethoscope