12-5
12.3 Measurement Limitations
Non-invasive blood pressure measurement uses the oscillometric method of measurement. The
monitor detects the regular arterial pressure pulse. In some circumstances when the patient's
condition makes it difficult to detect this pulse, the measurement becomes unreliable and the
measurement time increases. You should be aware that the following conditions could interfere
with the measurement, make the measurement unreliable, prolong the measurement, or even
make a measurement impossible.
Patient Movement
E.g.The patient is moving, shivering, or having convulsions.
Cardiac Arrhythmia’s
E.g.The patient's cardiac arrhythmia has caused an irregular heartbeat.
Heart-lung Machine
E.g. Measurements will be impossible if the patient is connected to a heart-lung machine.
Pressure Changes
E.g.The patient's blood pressure is changing rapidly over the period of time during which the
arterial pressure pulses are being analyzed to obtain the measurement.
Severe Shock
E.g.If the patient is in severe shock or hypothermia, reduced blood flow to the peripheries will
cause reduced pulsation of the arteries.
Heart Rate Extremes
The monitor is unable to perform pressure measurements at a heart rate of less than 40 bpm and
greater than 240 bpm.
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