Vital Signs

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This essay will explain the the essence of blood pressure in overall health.

It will demonstrate the basic understanding of the physiological processes involving in the normal control of blood pressure. It will also demonstrate the importance of nurse and patient relationship and the skills required to correctly monitor a blood pressure .

Blood pressure is vital to sustain life. Blood pressure is defined as the pressure exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels due to the pumping action of the heart (Jenkins, et al, 2006). The pressure of the blood within the circulatory system serves two functions. First, it moves some of the circulating blood towards the lungs into the carotid arteries, providing oxygen and essential nutrients to all major organs such as the heart and brain. Secondly; it forces blood through the tiny capillaries in the tissues. These vessels are so narrow that without arterial pressure blood would not flow through them (Marieb et al, 2010).

During each heartbeat, the heart muscle contracts to push blood around the body. When the left ventricle contracts blood is forced into the aorta and its branches become under pressure. This pressure provides the driving force that makes blood flow through arteries. There are two type of pressure. Systolic blood pressure is the blood pressure when the heart is contracting; normal rate of systolic blood pressure is about 120 mmHg. Diastolic blood pressure is the blood pressure when the heart is relaxing; normal rate of diastolic pressure is about 80 mmHg (Smith, 2003). In addition, the walls of the arteries contain muscle and elastic fibers. Each time that the heart beats and discharges blood into the arterial system, these fibers stretch to accommoda...

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Works Cited

Advameg, I. (2011) Blood pressure measurement [online]. surgeryencyclopedia. Available from: http://www.surgeryencyclopedia.com/A-Ce/Blood-Pressure Measurement.html [Accessed: 21 February 2011].

Barbara Kozier, G.E.A.B.S.S.R.L.a.S.H. (2008) Fundamentals of Nursing. England: PEARSON EDUCATION LTD.

Gail Jenkins, C.K.G.T. (2006) Anatomy and Physiology. 12th ed. Indianapolis: John Wiley and Sons.

Marieb, E.N, Hoehn, K. (2010) Human Anatomy & Physiology. 8th ed. USA: Pearson Internationa Edition.

Medic8. (2008) About blood pressure [online]. Available from: http://www.medic8.com/healthguide/blood-pressure/about-blood-pressure.html [Accessed: 26 February 2011].

Singh, I. (2004) ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY FOR NURSES. England: MEDICAL PUBLISHER (P) LTD.

Smith, D.T. (2003) Understanding Blood Pressure. England: Family Doctor Publication.

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