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Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Echocardiographic Assessment Using Subxiphoid-Only Examination for Hypotensive Patients
Published on: April 18, 2025
Mean arterial blood pressure and the assessment of acutely ill patients
Terry Ferns1, Graham Harris, Teresa McMahon
1School of Health and Social Care, University of Greenwich, London. t.ferns@gre.ac.uk
Abstract:
This article discusses the role of vital sign data collection in the acute setting when assessing patients at risk of or actually clinically deteriorating. Specifically, the article focuses on explaining the important concepts of mean arterial blood pressure and pulse pressure as indicators of clinical deterioration.
Related Concept Videos
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)
Measurement of Blood Pressure
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)
Prepare for the Procedure:
Blood Pressure
Blood Pressure
The average BP in an adult is typically around 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). In this measurement, the numerator (120) indicates the systolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart's ventricles as blood is expelled. The denominator (80) represents the diastolic...
