I have been assigned this Skills Assessment Orthostatic BP, I am Health Tech with the VA. I had no idea what this was. I can take patients vitals and have done it so many times. I was confused on what this was and why I was assigned it. These breakdowns gave me the info to take the Orthostatic BP. But you also gave me fast and easily digestible information on WHY I am doing this. I have yet to do this on Patient in the clinic, but I am prepared to help our patients. And you saved me the embarrassment of asking the nurses, "Why do they have to lay down?" Thank You.
When measuring blood pressure while lying down, the position of your arms can indeed impact the readings. Here’s what you need to know: Orthostatic Hypotension: When you stand up or lie down from a seated or lying position, you may experience orthostatic hypotension. This condition is characterized by a drop in systolic blood pressure of at least 20 mm Hg. It occurs due to changes in blood flow and can affect blood pressure measurements1. Arm Position Matters: The way your arm is positioned during blood pressure measurement is crucial. Factors like arm height and angle can influence the readings. For instance: If your arm is held higher or lower, your blood pressure may change. If your arm is hanging down or bent at an angle, it can affect the measurement. Even when the arm is at the right height and angle, following proper steps is essential2. Surprising Finding: Recent research has revealed an interesting twist. Compared to readings taken while sitting, blood pressure measurements obtained while lying down may be better predictors of serious health issues such as stroke, heart problems, and mortality. So, lying down might provide more accurate information about your cardiovascular health3. In summary, the physiological significance of having your palms up while taking blood pressure lying down lies in obtaining more reliable readings that can help assess your overall health.
I have been assigned this Skills Assessment Orthostatic BP, I am Health Tech with the VA. I had no idea what this was. I can take patients vitals and have done it so many times. I was confused on what this was and why I was assigned it. These breakdowns gave me the info to take the Orthostatic BP. But you also gave me fast and easily digestible information on WHY I am doing this. I have yet to do this on Patient in the clinic, but I am prepared to help our patients. And you saved me the embarrassment of asking the nurses, "Why do they have to lay down?" Thank You.
Hi, what is the physiological significance of having palms up when taking BP?
When measuring blood pressure while lying down, the position of your arms can indeed impact the readings. Here’s what you need to know:
Orthostatic Hypotension: When you stand up or lie down from a seated or lying position, you may experience orthostatic hypotension. This condition is characterized by a drop in systolic blood pressure of at least 20 mm Hg. It occurs due to changes in blood flow and can affect blood pressure measurements1.
Arm Position Matters: The way your arm is positioned during blood pressure measurement is crucial. Factors like arm height and angle can influence the readings. For instance:
If your arm is held higher or lower, your blood pressure may change.
If your arm is hanging down or bent at an angle, it can affect the measurement.
Even when the arm is at the right height and angle, following proper steps is essential2.
Surprising Finding: Recent research has revealed an interesting twist. Compared to readings taken while sitting, blood pressure measurements obtained while lying down may be better predictors of serious health issues such as stroke, heart problems, and mortality. So, lying down might provide more accurate information about your cardiovascular health3.
In summary, the physiological significance of having your palms up while taking blood pressure lying down lies in obtaining more reliable readings that can help assess your overall health.
Thank You!
You are so welcome! 💕