Assessing Blood pressure in the Leg

Steps for measuring blood pressure in the leg include the following.

Start by performing hand hygiene.

To measure BP in the thigh, assist the patient to a prone or supine position with a slightly flexed knee to ensure easy access to the artery.

Gently feel the pulse of the popliteal artery, position the cuff above the popliteal fossa, and place the stethoscope over the popliteal fossa.

To measure BP in the calf, help the patient to a prone or supine position with a slightly flexed knee and palpate the dorsalis pedis or posterior tibial artery pulse.

Apply the cuff over the lower half of the calf one inch above the malleoli and place the stethoscope at the malleoli.

Close and tighten the valve to avoid air leaks.

Slowly inflate the cuff until the first korotkoff sound indicates systolic blood pressure. Gradually deflate and observe where the sound disappears, indicating diastolic blood pressure.

Deflate and remove the cuff. Assist the patient to a comfortable position.

Replace equipment after cleaning. Wash hands and record the findings.