Measurement of blood pressure in babies

Blood pressure can be measured by

1.Flush method.

2.Palpatory method.

1.Flush method:

The uninflated cuff should be wrapped around the wrist and ankle.

The distal limb should be blanched by wrapping the soft elastic bandage beginning at the tips of the fingers or toes up to the wrist or ankle,just below the cuff.

The cuff should be inflated to 120 mm Hg.

The wrapping should be quickly removed.

The cuff should now be deflated slowly and the pressure at the point when the colour returns is noted.

2.Palpatory method:

The baby should be placed supine,arm fully extended in level with the heart.

The appropriate size cuff should be applied snugly above the elbow.

The brachial artery should be palpated and the cuff inflated to 20 mm Hg above the point when the pulse disappears.

The cuff should be deflated slowly and the pressure at which the pulse reappears should be recorded.

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