Contextual analysis of the measurement of blood pressure in clinical practice

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the contextual aspects of blood pressure measurement in clinical practice and understand the factors that determine this phenomenon. Method: Were selected 15 articles in the databases LILACS, MEDLINE and IBECS according with the inclusion criteria: published in Portuguese, Spanish or English, full text available between 2000-2011. For data analysis, used the contextual analysis. Results: In routine care, the blood pressure measurement is not being performed correctly by several professionals. Much of this failures stems from gaps in knowledge about the subject, both in technical aspects, as in anatomical and physiological.The client also interferes in the measure, especially with regard to their emotional state. Conclusion: Despite the auscultatory technique of blood pressure be simple, perceives an inadequacy in its implementation, possibly compromising the values and, consequently, the diagnosis, treatment and control of hypertension.