Connecting The Nibp Cuff - Welch Allyn Atlas Operator's Manual

6.1 Connecting the NIBP Cuff

Select the proper cuff size (Small, Adult, Large Adult, or Extra Large Adult). Place cuff on patient,
correctly oriented. Connect the tubing to the cuff and to the monitor. Blood pressure measurements can
be taken automatically or manually.
BP cuff sizes - For accurate blood pressure
measurements, it is important to select the proper
cuff size. The Atlas Monitor comes with a Large
Adult cuff. This is the correct cuff for most adults.
(Other sizes are available from Welch Allyn:
Small, Standard Adult and Extra Large Adult).
Warning
: The Welch Allyn Atlas Monitor is not
designed for use on children younger than 3
years old.
A good way to assure proper cuff size is to wrap
the cuff around the patient's upper arm and
inspect it. Welch Allyn cuffs are marked with a
distinct white edge and two divisions that indicate
"range." When the cuff fits properly, the white
edge marked "Index" will meet the cuff at some
point within the "Range" as shown in the
illustration.
You can also determine cuff size by measuring the
patient's arm circumference midway between the
elbow and shoulder, and then use the chart below
to select the correct cuff.
CUFF ARM CIRCUMFERENCE
SIZE
INCHES
Child 6.2 – 8.4
Small Adult 7.9 – 10.6
Adult 10.0 – 13.5
Large Adult 12.6 – 17.1
Extra Large 16.0 – 21.7
Adult
Cuff placement – The preferred blood pressure
measurement site for adults and children is the
upper arm. The arm must be relaxed and
motionless during the reading. For accurate blood
pressure measurements, the upper arm should be
CENTIMETERS
15.8 – 21.3
20.0 – 27.0
25.3 – 34.3
32.1 – 43.4
40.7 – 55.0
43
placed at the same elevation as the heart, with the
lower arm passively supported.
• Squeeze any air from the cuff.
• Wrap the cuff snugly around the limb with
room between cuff and arm for only one or
two fingers. If it is too loose, the cuff cannot
inflate properly, and it may result in an
inaccurate reading.
• There is a mark on the cuff indicating the
proper placement, to align the cuff over the
patient's brachial artery.
• Connect the hose to the cuff and to the front
panel connector. The front panel connector is
a simple, push-on friction fit. The tubing-to-
cuff connection is a twist-on connection. Be
sure the hose is not kinked or pinched.
Warning
: Do not apply the cuff to any extremity
being used for other diagnostic monitoring or
therapeutic intervention, which may include
intravenous infusions, intra-arterial lines, A-V
shunts, PIC lines, and central venous lines.
Warning
: Do not place the cuff on any area
where circulation might be compromised. In a
situation involving repeated blood pressure
measurements, monitor the circulation of the
limb to ensure that blood flow is not
compromised.
Warning
: Do not place the cuff on an arm that is
also being used for SpO
pressure cuff inflation during SpO
measurement will cause inaccurate SpO
results and false alarms.
monitoring. Blood
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