Home Health Aide how-to
How to Take and Record a Client’s Blood Pressure
Many care plans ask aides to check blood pressure so the nurse can spot problems early.
Many care plans ask aides to check blood pressure so the nurse can spot problems early. In short: have; choose; start, then complete the remaining steps below.
Step by step
Have the client sit quietly for five minutes with feet flat and the arm supported at heart level.
Choose the right cuff size and wrap it snugly on the bare upper arm.
Start the automatic monitor, or inflate a manual cuff while listening with a stethoscope.
Note the top (systolic) and bottom (diastolic) numbers.
Record the reading, the time and which arm you used.
Report any reading outside the range in the care plan to the nurse right away.
Safety reminders for home health aides
- Use a gait belt and good body mechanics for every transfer
- Wash hands before and after care and wear gloves for body fluids
- Remove tripping hazards and keep paths clear in the home
- Know the agency’s emergency plan and when to call 911
Key terms
ADLs · IADLs · Care plan · Gait belt · Transfer · Range of motion (ROM): see the full home health aide glossary.