The core nursing skill chosen to demonstrate knowledge and understanding within a reflective framework was recording blood pressure. Blood pressure was chosen because it is a critical physiological function and a fundamental indicator of well-being (Fullbrook 1993). This is an important and vital observation, as it allows for early therapeutic intervention if the patient's status changes (Fullbrook 1993). This essay will also demonstrate understanding of best practices for patient blood pressure measurement theory. Factors that can influence different blood pressure measurement results. In a reflection model to aid the reflective process, Gibbs (1998) was chosen. Before starting the placement we were given books for the Nursing Midwifery Council Code of Professional Conduct (NMC 2004) and the NMC Guide (2004) for Nursing and Midwifery Students. . This provided me with guidelines and knowledge for my responsibility and confidentiality. Marieb (1998) suggests that blood pressure can be defined as the force exerted by blood against the walls of the arteries in which it is contained. Differences in blood pressure between different areas of the circulation provide the driving force that keeps blood moving through the body. Blood pressure is measured for one of two reasons, firstly to determine the patient's blood pressure as a baseline value before hospitalization and secondly to monitor fluctuations in blood pressure. Blood flow is defined as the volume of blood flowing from the heart through a vessel at a given time. Blood flow is equivalent to cardiac output. Resistance to cardiac output is the opposite... middle of paper... procedure for measuring blood pressure helps to understand the theory behind the practice. To conclude my essay, the ability to record blood pressure is a vital for the nurse, as we cannot always rely on the availability of electronic equipment. I also understood that different circumstances can have an effect on the blood pressure reading. I feel like I have acquired a learning ability. I was quite worried about this skill, but practice makes it easier. After taking multiple blood pressure recordings, I quickly realized that no two patients are the same. I also learned that several factors can affect blood pressure, from the patient arriving late to the appointment which can lead to increased blood pressure. It has also given me a lot of confidence in myself and with the patients I take care of.