Blood pressure typically is measured via the systolic (pressure in the arteries when the heart is actively beating) and diastolic (arterial pressure when the heart is at rest) measurements. Although measuring an infant's blood pressure can be difficult due to the small size of the child's extremities, it can be done using a small blood pressure cuff and a stethoscope. The stethoscope is used to detect the presence or absence of Korsakoff sounds, which is the sound of blood pulsing through the arteries, at different pressures.
Step 1
Choose an appropriately sized blood pressure cuff. Measure the circumference of the infant's arm and compare that with the markings on the cuff itself or on the cuff's packaging.
Step 2
Wrap the cuff securely around the infant's upper arm, making sure that the cuff is as far up as possible on the arm to avoid pinching the ulnar nerve, which is located in the elbow. Make sure that the cuff is not so tight that it impedes circulation in the infant's arm--make sure the lower arm is not turning red or swelling.
Step 3
Place the stethoscope just below the blood pressure cuff against the inside of the upper arm (in line with the inside of the elbow) to position it directly above the brachial artery.
Step 4
Close the air valve on the pump and squeeze the bulb until the pressure on the pressure meter is at approximately 160 millimeters of mercury. Higher pressures may be needed if the infant has high blood pressure, but this is a good rule of thumb.
Step 5
While listening with the stethoscope, slowly open the air valve so that the pressure in the cuff decreases steadily but at a slow rate.
Step 6
As the pressure in the cuff drops, listen for the Korsakoff sounds, which will sound like a pulse, as well as for their disappearance. Note the pressure on the cuff's meter at which you can first hear the sounds and the pressure at which they are no longer audible. These numbers correspond to the systolic and diastolic pressures, respectively.
Things You'll Need
- Blood pressure cuff (infant)
- Stethoscope
