Measure blood pressure

About this visual support

Measuring blood pressure involves an unusual sensation: a cuff is placed around the arm and pumped up until it tightens, and at the same time the child has to sit still and calm for a moment. For a child who does not know what is happening, the pressure can feel alarming, as if something is wrong, even though it is just an ordinary measurement.

Visual support removes some of the worry by explaining in advance. When the child has seen a picture of the cuff and knows it only squeezes a little and then releases, the sensation becomes understandable rather than frightening. Knowing that it is over in a moment and that the squeeze belongs to it makes it easier to sit still and let it happen.

A tip: let the child feel a light squeeze in advance, for example with your hand around the arm, and tie it to the picture, so the feeling does not come as a surprise. A familiar sensation gives security. In the Routined app you can gather the steps into a simple series before the visit, so the child can go through what will happen before you leave.