When taking an adult blood pressure, the onset of the sound the nurse hears is at 138, the muffled sound the nurse hears is at 70, and the disappearance of the sound the nurse hears is at 62. How should the nurse record this finding?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

138/62 is the correct reading. The fifth sound marks the disappearance of sound. In adolescents and adults the fifth sound corresponds with the diastolic pressure. The fourth sound becomes muffled and low pitched as the cuff is further deflated. At this point the cuff pressure has fallen below the pressure within the vessel walls; this sound is the diastolic pressure in infants and children. 68 is the pulse pressure of 138/70; 76 is the pulse pressure for 138/62.

When Taking an Adult Blood Pressure, the Onset of the Sound