Lab: Measuring Blood Pressure

1) Compare the systole and diastole
Systole is the pressure when the heart contracts and diastole is the pressure when the heart relaxes.

2)What equipment is used to measure heart rate and blood pressure?
 A Sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope are used to measure blood pressure and heart rate. 

3)Why is using your thumb to measure pulse not ideal?
Using thumb to measure pulse is not ideal because you already have a strong pulse in your thumb, so it is conflicting.

4)InYour own words, describe how to use a blood pressure cuff (sphygmomanometer). 
Start by wrapping the cuff around your upper arm (where brachial artery is). Place a stethoscope just under the bottom of the cuff. Pump the bulb to about 140-150. Then begin releasing some of the air out(slowly). When you first hear the "whoosh" sound take note of that number(this is the systolic). You should hear the heart beat begin to get louder. Take note of the number when you can no longer hear the heart beat(this is the diastolic). Deflate cuff and remove the sphygmomanometer and stethoscope from patient.