User's Manual

13-13
Variable readings occur ■ Some arrhythmias may cause
beat-to-beat pressure and NIBP
readings.
■ Document the arrhythmia, if present.
Verify the pressure using another
method, then follow hospital procedure
for care of this type of patient.
■ Larger than normal influence of
respiratory phases on blood
pressure (inspiratory fall in blood
pressure; expiratory rise).
■ NIBP software usually compensates for
normal variation.
No NIBP readings or
questionable values in the
presence of shock
■ Peripheral vascular changes
experienced during shock may
reduce the reliability of blood
pressure readings obtained with
any indirect method. Peripheral
pulses may be diminished or
absent.
■ Consider invasive pressure
measurements in patients with
symptoms of shock or in any patient
who rapidly becomes unstable for
unknown reasons.
Clinical Situation Possible Cause Solution