Lying & Standing BP

Author: Claire Adams
24/10/2017

How To Do It Correctly...

So we've all done Lying & Standing Blood Pressures loads of times, but are we doing it correctly?

Here's the right way......

  • Explain the procedure to your patient before starting.
     
  • Take BP x 3 as below. Ideally this procedure should be done with a manual sphyg if possible.

 

1. First BP - Patient should be lying down for 5 mins

2. Second BP – Stand the patient up, the BP should be done within the 1st Min (Assist the patient if needed)

3. Third BP – After 3 mins of standing take another BP

 

  • RECORD in Obs Chart and REPORT findings to medical staff
     
  • Think about falls risk assessment and document

 

So What Do The Numbers Mean?

It is a positive Result when there is a:

·      Drop in the systolic BP of 20mmHg or more

·      Drop to below 90mmHg on standing

·      Drop in diastolic BP of 10mmHg with symptoms

Lying Standing BP

 

Why do we do this L&S BP Procedure?

Postural hypotension occurs when a person’s blood pressure drops on standing. It occurs usually because of delayed constriction of the lower body blood vessels, which is normally required to maintain an adequate blood pressure when standing from lying or sitting. As a result the blood pools in the blood vessels of the legs for a longer period and less is returned to the heart, therefore leading to a reduced cardiac output. It can also be caused by hypovolemia, disease and some medications. This is more common in the elderly and can lead to risk of collapse and falls.

 

With Thanks To:
@4hrEmergencyDoc
The Royal College of Physicians rcplondon.ac.uk/falls/bp

Hannah Bell