A pressure transducer measures fluid or gas force and converts it into an electrical signal. There are three types of electrical output: millivolt, voltage, and 4-20 milliampere. The output determines the environment the product is suitable for. Pressure transducers can be affected by temperature and electromagnetic interference. They can be mounted to a computer board […]
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) opening pressure is measured during a lumbar puncture and can provide important information about a patient’s health. Changes in CSF pressure can be a sign of illness or an improperly performed test. The measurement is noted in millimeters of water and can be affected by a patient’s age, size, and health conditions. […]
Low-pressure headaches are caused by a drop in cerebrospinal fluid and are often associated with lumbar punctures or spinal fluid leaks. Symptoms include severe pain at the back of the head, nausea, and neck pain. Treatment involves bed rest, fluids, and pain relief medication. An epidural patch may be used for persistent headaches. A low […]
Barometers measure atmospheric pressure using a glass tube filled with mercury, while water pressure in structures is measured using a pressure gauge. To measure water pressure, shut off all water sources, connect the gauge to a water source, and take a reading. Contact the local water company for acceptable pressure ranges. There are a number […]
A gas manometer measures gas pressure using a U-shaped tube filled with liquid, with one end connected to a pressurized gas container. Open-tube gauges use atmospheric pressure to measure gas pressure, while closed-tube gauges avoid this. Digital gauges are also available. A gas manometer is a device used to measure the pressure of a gas. […]
A pressure gauge measures atmospheric or gas/liquid pressure. A simple mercury gauge is made using a glass tube. The difference in height of the mercury on two sides of the manometer provides the measurement. A digital gauge is often used in modern pressure measurement applications. Pressure gauges are used in medicine, industry, avionics, and weather […]
Normal blood pressure for women is 120/80, but factors like diet, lack of exercise, pregnancy, contraception, menopause, and hormonal changes can affect it. Avoiding risk factors like smoking, alcohol, obesity, high sodium or cholesterol diets, and regular exercise can help maintain normal blood pressure. Women should monitor their blood pressure regularly and consult a doctor […]
Increased intracranial pressure, caused by conditions such as brain hemorrhage or tumor growth, can damage the brain and decrease blood supply. Symptoms include headaches, vomiting, and dilated pupils. Treatment involves hospitalization, medication, and draining cerebrospinal fluid. The brain, along with its blood vessels, cerebrospinal fluid, and spinal cord, are all contained within the bony walls […]
Economic pressure occurs during a recession or rising costs, causing consumers to cut costs and businesses to generate less revenue. The US government has created laws to ease economic pressure, such as welfare and job creation legislation. Economic pressure occurs when a company or a country is facing unwanted economic times. For example, it can […]
Jugular venous pressure (JVP) is an indirect measurement of the pressure in the jugular vein in the neck, which can indicate heart problems or high blood pressure. It requires observation of the pulsations in the vein and can be measured in inches of water. It is often used in physical exams for patients with cardiovascular […]
A differential pressure gauge uses a U-shaped glass tube filled with liquid to measure pressure differences. The height difference of the liquid in the two arms indicates the pressure variation. The gauge can use denser fluids for larger pressure differences. Portable digital gauges use low freezing point, high-density indicator fluids and can be connected to […]
Pressure altimeters measure altitude in aircraft by subtracting atmospheric pressure from sea level pressure. They are calibrated barometers with a mechanical readout display in the cockpit. The sea level pressure must be set before takeoff and adjusted during flight if necessary. Errors can occur due to mechanical, scaling, hysteresis, reverse, or installation/location issues. Pressure altimeters […]
The cold pressure test involves immersing a patient’s hand in ice-cold water to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system and assess pain tolerance. Abnormal responses may indicate a neurological problem, and further tests may be needed for diagnosis and treatment. The cold pressure test involves immersing the patient’s hand in cold water to stimulate the sympathetic […]
Ventilation pressure is a critical setting on a ventilator, with too low or high pressures causing problems. Positive pressure ventilation is preferred over negative pressure ventilation. Doctors must find a balance between pressure and tidal volume, and patients on a ventilator need to be sedated. Ventilation pressure is one of the settings on a ventilator, […]
Osmotic pressure is a force that resists osmosis and is important in human biology and plant cell walls. It protects cells from dilution and helps plants maintain turgidity. The osmotic pressure equation is P = nRT/V. Osmotic pressure is a volumetric force that resists the natural process of osmosis. It is most often referenced in […]
Positive airway pressure therapy is a common treatment for sleep apnea, using machines to pump pressurized air into the nose to keep airways clear and improve breathing. The most common device is a CPAP machine, but some patients may benefit from a VPAP machine that adjusts pressure levels. Positive airway pressure therapy can also be […]
Pulmonary wedge pressure (PWP) is a medical tool used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. It measures left ventricular end diastolic pressure and can be used to diagnose various conditions such as shock, valvular disease, and pulmonary embolism. The procedure involves inserting a balloon-tipped catheter into the pulmonary artery and measuring pressures. Complications can occur, including […]
Positive air pressure pushes air out of a room or container, keeping contaminants out. It’s important in cleanrooms and facilities where work is done. Ventilation systems can change the flow to maintain positive or negative pressure. Rooms with multipurpose ventilation systems allow users to switch between negative and positive air pressure. Positive air pressure pushes […]
Ear pressure can be caused by altitude, scuba diving, and ear infections due to the vulnerability of the pressure regulating system in the ear. Eustachian tubes are responsible for maintaining pressure balance and removing bacteria from the middle ear. Middle ear infections are a common cause of ear pressure, as are colds, allergies, and the […]
Pressure behind the eye can be caused by glaucoma, sinusitis, ocular hypertension, or headaches. Ocular hypertension is a serious cause and can lead to glaucoma and blindness. Sinusitis can cause temporary pressure, while headaches usually go away with pain medication. A doctor should be consulted for persistent pain. Pressure behind the eye can be the […]
