User's Manual

Digital Telemetry
17-19
4. Position the cuff so that the center of the inflatable bladder is directly over the
brachial artery. The center of the bladder location is marked on the outside of
the cuff. Once the proper position is determined, the cuff must be tightened to
ensure that it is equally snug at the top and bottom edges and that it is not
kinked. This is especially important on larger arms. Insert a finger between the
cuff and the limb to ensure it is not too tight. It may be necessary to wrap the
cuff with its tail at an angle to achieve uniform tightness. If the cuff is not
equally snug at the top and bottom edges, the number of readings available
will be limited and the monitor may indicate that the cuff is improperly applied.
5. Once the cuff is applied, the arm should be relaxed at the patient’s side. To
avoid reading errors due to hydrostatic pressure differences, the level of the
cuff on the arm should be near the level of the heart.
6. Lead the hose up the arm with the cuff and place it across the back of the
patient. Drape the hose so it does not cause the patient discomfort and is not
pinched shut by too tight a radius. Figure 17-4 displays the most common
positions for the cuff hose.
Table 1: Cuff Size by Limb Circumference
Cuff Size Limb Circumference
Pediatric 13 to 20 cm
Small adult 17 to 26 cm
Average adult 24 to 32 cm
Large adult 32 to 42 cm
Extra-large adult 38 to 50 cm
!
• Use only Spacelabs Medical cuffs with this monitor. Using other
manufacturer’s cuffs may result in inaccurate readings, even if
the manufacturer’s recommended size is observed.
• If the cuff is too small, pressure readings may be falsely high; a
cuff that is too large produces a falsely low reading. The bladder
can be positioned in the cuff for either the left or right arm.
CAUTION:
• Avoid compression or restriction of pressure in the NIBP
patient connector tubes. Check that operation of the
equipment does not result in prolonged impairment of
circulation.
• Do not apply cuff to areas of breached or injured skin.
• Cuff hose connections use luer fittings. Be careful not to
connect the ABP monitor into an intravenous fluid line
when working close to them.
• This product contains natural latex rubber components to
which some people may be allergic. These components
include the bladder and the first four inches of tubing
extending from the cuff.