BLOOD PRESSURE READING, INDIRECT: TAKING IN A PEDIATRIC PATIENT

Course overview

Blood pressure (BP) is a measure of the pressure exerted by circulating blood upon the walls of blood vessels. BP results from two forces: the pressure created by the heart as it contracts to pump blood into the arteries and through the circulatory system, and the force of the arteries as the vessel walls resist the pumping pressure of the heart. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of the correct technique for taking indirect BP readings in pediatric patients, including strategies that can promote calm and cooperation in the patient and conditions that must be met to obtain accurate readings, and to aid in competent performance of this procedure. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.