Brazilian health professionals' perceptions and knowledge about automated blood pressure monitors.

Obtaining accurate blood pressure readings is vital. However, students and health professionals do not always receive adequate training on blood pressure measurement, especially regarding new technologies, leading to insufficient knowledge. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyze Brazilian health professionals' perceptions and knowledge about automated blood pressure monitors. This cross-sectional study involved 1734 Brazilian nurses, nursing technicians, and doctors who reported having some experience of using automated monitors. Perceptions about differences between readings obtained through the auscultatory and oscillometric methods, influence of small differences in clinical decision-making, confidence in automated monitors, and knowledge about contraindications for the use of these devices were assessed. Most medical and nursing professionals considered differences of up to 5 mmHg (40.94%) between auscultatory and oscillometric measurements acceptable. Of these, 69.02% reported that even small differences can influence clinical decisions. Confidence in readings obtained using automated blood pressure monitors was reported by 53.92%. Among the motivations for making these devices available in health services, the most frequent was the saving of time (48.85%) and the least frequent, the perception that the use of this technology requires less training (9.40%). Arrhythmia was the most recognized contraindication for the use of automated monitors (28.49%), followed by obesity (28.14%) and blood pressure readings above 160 × 100 mmHg. In conclusion, there is a lack of knowledge about the functionalities and indications of blood pressure monitors and a low tolerance for measurements different from those obtained through manual mercury sphygmomanometers or aneroids.

Overview of blood pressure measurement by Brazilian health professionals.

Although automated monitors for blood pressure (BP) measurement are used increasingly worldwide, understanding of how such devices are used in Brazil is low. This study analyzed the status of BP measurement by Brazilian health professionals. A questionnaire regarding experience with BP measurement was sent electronically to Brazilian nurses, nursing assistants, and doctors. It had 2004 responses. Previous experience with use of automated monitors was most frequent in men (71.2%), nursing technicians (65.5%), specialists (61.1%), secondary care (71.9%), emergency care (70.6%), or the private sector (66.3%). The least complied aspects of the standardized measurement protocol were availability of various cuff sizes (53.9% and 72.9% for auscultatory and oscillometric methods, respectively) and proper calibration checks (21.5% and 46.8% for auscultatory and oscillometric methods, respectively). Brazilian health professionals report not adequately performing all the necessary aspects to measure BP in accordance with the standardized protocol in both methods, but mainly regarding the oscillometric.

Autocuidado de uma mulher com AIDS: um modelo de cuidar em enfermagem / Self-care of a woman with AIDS: a model of nursing care

Context: Aids impairs the functioning of the body, causing a deviation of health that requires the patient himself as an active agent of self-care. Objective: The objective of the present study was to apply the nursing process based on the self-care theory of Orem to a woman infected with HIV/Aids. Method: This was a case study conducted on the ward of a tertiary hospital in November 2004. Results: The behaviors observed indicated the absence of self-care practice, such as failure to attend the visits and abandonment of treatment, in addition to changes in life style after the onset of the disease, such as difficulty to sleep, despondency, anxiety, restlessness and lack of motivation for daily activities. The nursing diagnoses and interventions were elaborated according to the deviations from health. Conclusion: We conclude that the application of the theoretical model of Orem was adequate to promote the practice of self-care by providing support for the execution of self-care activities.

Problema: AIDS compromete o funcionamento do organismo causando um desvio de saúde que necessita do próprio paciente como agente ativo do autocuidado. Objetivo: Visou-se aplicar o processo de enfermagem baseado na Teoria do Autocuidado de Orem em uma mulher portadora de infecção pelo HIV/AIDS. Metodologia: Trata-se de estudo de caso, realizado na enfermaria de um hospital terciário, em novembro de 2004. Resultados: Observou-se que os comportamentos indicam a ausência da prática de autocuidado, como o não comparecimento às consultas e o abandono do tratamento, além de mudanças do estilo de vida após a doença, como dificuldade para o sono, desânimo, ansiedade, inquietação e desmotivação para atividades diárias. Os diagnósticos e as intervenções de enfermagem foram elaborados de acordo com os desvios de saúde. Conclusão: Conclui-se que um modelo de sistematização da assistência de enfermagem voltada para o autocuidado é importante para ajudar no cuidado de mulheres com AIDS e pode ser sugerido em serviços de saúde.