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Measuring blood pressure using the mercury sphygmomanometer.

Tracey Valler-Jones1, Kirsty Wedgbury

  • 1University of Central England, Birmingham, UK.

British Journal of Nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
|March 25, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Manual blood pressure measurement using mercury sphygmomanometers remains valuable for clinical decisions, despite the shift towards automated devices. This article advocates for preserving manual skills and provides guidance on proper technique.

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Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular medicine
  • Medical instrumentation

Background:

  • Automated blood pressure devices are widely adopted for convenience.
  • The global trend is to phase out mercury-containing medical devices, impacting manual sphygmomanometry.
  • Loss of manual blood pressure measurement skills is a growing concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To argue for the continued relevance of mercury sphygmomanometry in clinical practice.
  • To review the literature supporting manual sphygmomanometry.
  • To provide a procedural guide and discuss special considerations.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on the rationale for manual sphygmomanometry.
  • Step-by-step procedural guide for manual blood pressure measurement.
  • Inclusion of normal blood pressure ranges and hypertension definitions.

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Main Results:

  • Manual sphygmomanometry offers distinct advantages, especially when clinical decisions hinge on accurate readings.
  • Evidence supports the continued use of manual techniques for specific patient populations.
  • Normal blood pressure ranges and hypertension criteria for adults and children are provided.

Conclusions:

  • Mercury sphygmomanometers and manual measurement skills retain a crucial role in healthcare.
  • Healthcare professionals should maintain proficiency in manual blood pressure measurement.
  • Accurate blood pressure monitoring is essential for patient management and diagnosis.