• journals, books and databases 
• clinical decision support resources including NICE Guidelines and BMJ Best Practice 
• policy and management information and research literature
• resources purchased nationally and locally  
• one-click links to full-text, request a copy or contact an NHS library

Key Points:

5.2 Cardiac arrest calls are not affected by this policy.

5.3     Urgent clinical review requests can be made directly by the ward staff to the medical on call doctors, if needed to avoid delays in care. Peri-arrest calls via 2222 to be done for patients needing emergency care by medical staff.

5.4      Increased NEWS2, indicating escalation to medical staff or ART to be excluded from bleep filtering to avoid delays in care.

Any Increased of NEWS - Please escalate to ART on 725

Equipment Needed

• Manual sphygmomanometer (BP cuff + gauge)

• Stethoscope

• Alcohol wipe for hygiene

  
  

Preparation

• Explain the procedure to the patient

• Ensure the patient is calm, seated, with back supported

• Arm should be bare, supported at heart level, palm up

• Allow the patient to rest for 3–5 minutes before measurement

  
  

Cuff Placement

• Select appropriate cuff size for the patient’s arm

• Wrap cuff snugly around the upper arm (2–3 cm above the antecubital fossa)

• Ensure bladder of cuff is centred over the brachial artery

  
  

Taking the Measurement

1. Palpate the brachial artery at the antecubital fossa

2. Inflate the cuff 20–30 mmHg above the point where the radial pulse disappears

3. Place stethoscope over the brachial artery, just below cuff edge

4. Deflate cuff slowly (2–3 mmHg per second)

5. Listen for Korotkoff sounds:

   • First sound = systolic BP

   • Disappearance of sound = diastolic BP

6. Record BP (e.g., 120/80 mmHg)

Reference number:CG50

Published:

25 July 2007