Vital Signs, Height, and Weight 363 fraction 120/80 mmHg. The normal blood pressure range for adults are systolic pressure 90–120 and diastolic 60–80. Knowing Factors That Affect Blood Pressure Many factors can affect blood pressure. These factors include the following: • Diet: diets high in salt and fat may lead to higher blood pressure. • Weight: being overweight can lead to higher blood pressure. • Exercise: systolic blood pressure may be higher if a resident does not exercise or exercised right before blood pressure was taken. • Race: African-Americans are more likely to have high blood pressure and at an earlier age compared to Caucasians or people of Hispanic descent. • Time of day: blood pressure may be lower in the morning than later in the day and may be higher after a meal. cause a stroke or other cardiovascular problems. High or low blood pressure can also be a sign of, or cause, certain diseases and conditions, such as heart disease, kidney damage or failure, various injuries, or dizziness. Measuring Blood Pressure A blood pressure reading is made up of two pressure levels, which are measured as the heart beats. The first is systolic blood pressure, which is pressure when the heart muscle contracts and pushes blood through the artery. The second is diastolic blood pressure, which is pressure when the heart muscle relaxes. These pressure levels are measured using a stethoscope and a sphygmomanometer. Both pressure levels are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Systolic blood pressure is the higher number and the first beat heard (as a tapping sound) and measured (as 120 mmHg, for example). Diastolic blood pressure is the lower number and is the last beat heard and measured (as 80 mmHg, for example). For someone with these measurements, blood pressure would be documented as the Blood Pressure Classification Hypotension Normal Prehypertension Hypertension 90/60 mmHg 90–120/60–80 mmHg 120–129/80 mmHg Stage 1: 130–139/80–90 mmHG Stage 2: 140/90 mmHg Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 16.20 The normal blood pressure range is below 120/80 mmHg. BECOMING A HOLISTIC NURSING ASSISTANT Taking Vital Signs To provide holistic care when measuring and recording vital signs, you can use the following guidelines: • Know the function of and the normal ranges for different vital signs. • Demonstrate skill and proficiency. • Make sure measurements are accurate. Repeat the measurement if you are unsure of a reading. Explain to the resident that you want to take an accurate reading. • Ask a member of the licensed nursing staff for help if you have trouble measuring a vital sign. Never make up a reading. • Quickly report any abnormal results to the licensed nursing staff. • When appropriate, give residents choices about the procedure. For example, you might let the resident choose the arm used to measure blood pressure or choose whether to sit up or lie down. • Know that vital signs can change and are unique to each resident, the resident’s environment, and factors of daily living such as diet and exercise. • Maintain a professional and patient attitude when taking vital signs. Never show frustration or concern if you are having difficulty measuring a vital sign or if a vital sign is not in a normal range. Apply It 1. Would any of these guidelines be challenging for you to follow? Explain your answer. 2. In your opinion, which guidelines would require more attention or practice on your part? Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.