Blood Pressure
A reflective account of blood pressure testing during a clinical simulative skill session
The clinical skill that I have decided to reflect on in this essay is the manual blood pressure test that I have performed on one of my colleague during a simulative clinical skills session. The aim of this essay is to reflect on this experience, so as to learn from it, identify areas of concern and increase competence in this skill accordingly. To start the essay it is the custom to at least give a definition of blood pressure test, and understand how to interprete the results. I will then proceed to reflect on this whole experience. I will continue by revealing two issues that I have encountered while performing the blood pressure test, and exposed approaches to minimise their reoccurrence. Interpersonal skills will be demonstrated by showing compassion and understanding during the whole process, so as to ensure the “patient’s” comfort and meet all his personal and healthcare needs. To conclude, I will go over the main points of the knowledge and skills that I have gained during this exercise, and explore ways to continually improve and use them during my future practical placement opportunities.
Arterial blood pressure is the force exerted on the wall of our arteries during the pumping and relaxing action of the heart (Moisio, Pp. 178, 2009). A sphygmomanometer, in conjunction with a stethoscope, is the instrument that is used to measure blood pressure. The cuff of the sphygmomanometer is usually put around the upper right arm, and the stethoscope is used to listen to the sound of the blood pressure, which is a tapping sound of the heartbeat (Lindh, et al, 2009). Blood pressure is usually recorded as the systolic over the diastolic blood pressure, for example 120/90 millimetre of mercury (mmHg), where 120 mmHg is the systolic blood pressure and 90 mmHg the diastolic blood pressure. The optimal blood pressure for an adult is usually 120/80 mmHg, and it is essential
The clinical skill that I have decided to reflect on in this essay is the manual blood pressure test that I have performed on one of my colleague during a simulative clinical skills session. The aim of this essay is to reflect on this experience, so as to learn from it, identify areas of concern and increase competence in this skill accordingly. To start the essay it is the custom to at least give a definition of blood pressure test, and understand how to interprete the results. I will then proceed to reflect on this whole experience. I will continue by revealing two issues that I have encountered while performing the blood pressure test, and exposed approaches to minimise their reoccurrence. Interpersonal skills will be demonstrated by showing compassion and understanding during the whole process, so as to ensure the “patient’s” comfort and meet all his personal and healthcare needs. To conclude, I will go over the main points of the knowledge and skills that I have gained during this exercise, and explore ways to continually improve and use them during my future practical placement opportunities.
Arterial blood pressure is the force exerted on the wall of our arteries during the pumping and relaxing action of the heart (Moisio, Pp. 178, 2009). A sphygmomanometer, in conjunction with a stethoscope, is the instrument that is used to measure blood pressure. The cuff of the sphygmomanometer is usually put around the upper right arm, and the stethoscope is used to listen to the sound of the blood pressure, which is a tapping sound of the heartbeat (Lindh, et al, 2009). Blood pressure is usually recorded as the systolic over the diastolic blood pressure, for example 120/90 millimetre of mercury (mmHg), where 120 mmHg is the systolic blood pressure and 90 mmHg the diastolic blood pressure. The optimal blood pressure for an adult is usually 120/80 mmHg, and it is essential
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