Appendix E: Troubleshooting - Welch Allyn Atlas Operator's Manual

14 Appendix E: Troubleshooting

E.1 Diagnosing Atlas Monitor Problems
E.1.1 Blood Pressure
PROBLEM:
Blood pressure readings are inaccurate.
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
Squeeze all air out of cuff and repeat measurement.
Check the cuff for correct size for the patient – check that the index mark falls within the range markings.
Check the cuff for proper fit – there should be room to insert no more than two fingers between the
deflated cuff and the patient's limb. A cuff applied too loosely may result in artificially high readings.
Check the cuff for proper alignment – there is a mark indicating where the cuff should align over the
patient's brachial artery.
Check the patient:
The blood pressure should be taken on a bare arm.
Place patient with midpoint of upper arm at heart level. This is approximately at the mid-axillary
th
line at the 4 intercostal space.
Have patient lie down.
Patient must be motionless. Excess movement, shivering, seizure could interfere with the
measurement.
If the patient is sitting, the back and legs should be supported. The lower arm should be passively
supported. i.e. sitting in patient's lap.
Unusual physiology, obesity, or poor circulation could be preventing Atlas Monitor from
detecting the pulse.
Cardiac arrhythmia could interfere with the measurement.
Have the unit recalibrated.
PROBLEM:
Blood pressure cannot complete reading in 3 minutes.
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
Safety mechanisms automatically abort blood pressure measurements when a reading has not been
obtained within 3 minutes;
Check for leaks in tubing and cuff, and at connections.
Check the cuff for correct size for the patient – check that the index mark falls within the range markings.
Check the cuff for proper alignment – there is a mark indicating where the cuff should align over the
patient's artery.
Check the patient:
Must be motionless. Excess movement, shivering, seizure could interfere with the measurement.
Unusual physiology, obesity, or poor circulation could be preventing Atlas Monitor from
detecting the pulse.
Cardiac arrhythmia could interfere with the measurement.
Set Initial pressure higher if many repressurization steps are necessary due to high patient blood
pressure.
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