Before starting the experiment go to the front of the room and collect an alcohol swab, a sphygmomanometer, and a stethoscope.
Clean the earpieces with the alcohol swab and then insert them into your ears.
To check if the stethoscope is in the on position, gently tap the flat metal disc called the diaphragm.
If you hear a sound it's on. If not, turn the metal disc and tap again and keep turning and tapping the disc until you hear a sound. NOTE: For this experiment you will work in pairs. One person will measure their partner's blood pressure, while the person being measured will count their heartbeats over the course of one minute.
Fill out table one with the name of the person being monitored. HYPOTHESES: The experimental hypothesis is that systolic blood pressure will be higher when the person is sitting when compared to lying down because more pressure is required for blood to be moved around the body. The null hypothesis is that there will be no difference in systolic blood pressure whether a person is sitting or lying down.
Click Here to download Table 1
The person being monitored should begin by lying down. Next, they will need to locate their pulse by placing two fingers next to their windpipe. If a throbbing sensation is felt, this is the pulse.
Now, ready a time keeping device to count out 1 minute as the person taking their pulse will be having their blood pressure taken at the same time.
At this point, the person measuring blood pressure should place the cuff of the sphygmomanometer around the other arm of the subject and the stethoscope earpieces into their own ears.
Start the timer.
The person being monitored should begin counting the number of heartbeats felt over one full minute. While the subject is taking their pulse, the person taking blood pressure should place the diaphragm of the stethoscope under the cuff on the inside of their partner's elbow.
Then, pump the cuff to 200 mm of mercury.
Gently and slowly twist the metal knob on the sphygmomanometer to release air from the cuff.
As pressure is released the first Korotkoff sound should be heard. The corresponding value on the sphygmomanometer is the systolic blood pressure. Consistent sounds should be heard until they die out with the last sound signifying the diastolic blood pressure.
Record the systolic pressure, the diastolic pressure, and the heart rate in Table 1.
Now, repeat the blood pressure and pulse measurements with each partner keeping the same role but this time the subject should be sitting upright.
Record these data in the appropriate places in Table 1.
Finally, the partners should switch spots. So now, the person measuring blood pressure should be taking their pulse and acting as the subject. NOTE: Be sure to wipe the earpieces of the stethoscope between users and don't forget to record your measurements in Table 1.
After finishing the experiment, discard all alcohol swabs into the trash. Then, bring the sphygmomanometer and stethoscope back to the front of the room.