Skill 11
Blood Pressure
Automatic
Many different styles of electronic blood pressure (BP) machines are available to determine BP automatically. Electronic BP machines rely on an electronic sensor to detect the vibrations caused by the rush of blood through an artery. Although electronic BP machines are fast, the nurse must consider the advantages and limitations of electronic BP machines. The devices are used when frequent assessment is required, such as in critically ill or potentially unstable patients, during or after invasive procedures, or when therapies require frequent monitoring.
Delegation Considerations
The use of an electronic BP machine can be delegated to nursing assistive personnel (NAP) unless the patient is considered unstable (e.g., hypotensive). The nurse instructs the NAP by:
