Blood pressure is measured by an instrument called a sphygmomanometer.  Several types of sphygmomanometers exist, so you should follow your instructor's directions for the specifics on how to operate yours.  Some models come with a "built-in stethoscope" and some do not.
Regardless of which type of sphygmomanometer is used, the principle behind taking the blood pressure is constant.  The cuff is inflated beyond the point that cuts off circulation in a given artery.  The cuff pressure is then measured on a gauge or a digital terminal.

A.  Blood Pressure
1.  Obtain a sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope (if not a "built-in" type).  Examine the instruments carefully.
2.  Have your partner to sit quietly.
3.  Position the sphygmomanometer cuff on your partner's arm just above the elbow.  Be sure the stethoscope is positioned over the brachial artery located in the bend of the arm.
4.  Inflate the cuff to a reading of about 160.  If your partner has a history of hypertension, you may have to inflate the cuff higher than 160.
5.  While gradually deflating the cuff (at the rate of about 2 mm Hg per second), carefully listen to the artery through the stethoscope.  Listen for the first 2 audible tapping sounds.  This distinct thumping sound is known as Korotkoff's sound.  If you do not have a digital display with your instrument, make a mental note of the pressure valve as soon as you hear it.  This is the systolic pressure.  This highest, or peak, blood pressure occurs as the blood is ejected into the arteries.
6.  Continue to deflate the cuff slowly.  The point where this thumping sound stops is the diastolic pressure, which is the amount of "non-push" pressure that is always present in a vessel.  The standard average blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg.  Hypertension is usually considered, if the systolic pressure is above 140 and the diastolic pressure is above 90.
7.  Practice taking your partner's blood pressure.  Record your partner's blood pressure.

B.  Pulse Pressure
Pulse pressure is the mathematical difference between the systolic and diastolic readings.  If your blood pressure is 130/90, your pulse pressure is 40.  Record your partner's pulse pressure.

C.  Exercise and Blood Pressure
1.  Examine the effects of exercise on blood pressure.  Correctly wrap the blood pressure cuff around your partner's arm, so that it is snugly in place.
2.  Measure and record your partner's resting blood pressure.
3.  Now instruct your partner to do the following exercises:  Check the blood pressure (a) before the exercise,  (b) immediately after the exercise, and (c) after a 3 minute rest.
Exercises include running in place for 2 minutes, performing8 to 10 jumping jacks, and doing8 to 10 toe touches.

NOTE:  Modifications may be needed for students with certain health problems.
 

Using Microsoft Word, answer the following questions:

1.What was your partner’s blood pressure before exercising?

2.What was your blood pressure before exercising?

3.What factors might influence blood pressure readings?

4.What was your partner’s pulse pressure?

5.What was your pulse pressure?

6.What value might there be in knowing one’s pulse pressure?

7.After completing each exercise, was your partner’s blood pressure back to normal after three minutes?

8.If it was not normal, what factors do you think could account for the difference?