Chapter Summary

Blood pressure measurement is important because it provides objective data about the client’s health and illness state. Changes in blood pressure act as a cue for healthcare providers’ diagnostic reasoning. Blood pressure fluctuates with internal and external factors. Therefore, it is important to take more than one measurement before making clinical decisions.

It is always important to ensure correct techniques when taking blood pressure.

In determining the relevance of the blood pressure reading, the healthcare provider considers the client’s baseline blood pressure, previous readings, and health status. The blood pressure reading is always taken in conjunction with a pulse. Diagnostic reasoning takes into account blood pressure, pulse, and subjective and objective client data.