Embarassed -- Reading Blood Pressure
Register Today!-
This is a discussion on Embarassed -- Reading Blood Pressure in CNA/MA - Nursing / Medical Assistant, part of Nursing Student ... :imbar I am scheduled to take my state CNA exam in a couple of weeks. I'm having difficulty...
by Seven, RN2b Mar 15, '07:imbar
I am scheduled to take my state CNA exam in a couple of weeks. I'm having difficulty with taking blood pressure (hearing the heart beats) and I think it is because of the stethoscope that I have. The slightest movement makes such noise that I cannot hear well enough to determine bp. Has anyone else had these difficulties and found a way to help? Or does someone recommend a particular stethoscope?
Attached is a picture of the stethoscope that I have (a gift):
Thanks Much!!
Print and share with friends and family.
Compliments of allnurses.com.
http://allnurses.com/showthread.php?t=212799©2013 allnurses.com INC. All Rights Reserved. - 2,077 Views
-
Mar 15, '07 by FeathersHi, I am currently taking my CNA classes. I always thought that I had a problem w/BP's. It turns out, I just couldn't hear it. I bought an ADC BP/Stethescope combo kit & it's great. It should run you about $47.50 for the kit (I actually got mine for $12.50 because my school's bookstore had the wrong price marked), but it's worth it-the clarity is excellent. I've been practicing on everyone. Good luck! -
Mar 15, '07 by zoozYour stethoscope looks like my Prestige Medical Clear Sound. I haven't been able to compare it to any other stethoscopes, but I can hear heart and lung sounds (haven't taken a BP yet) with it as long as I don't move my fingers at all on the chest piece. Everything is amplified, obviously, but I didn't expect "outside" noises to come through so much. I'm not sure if that's normal or not.
I plan on getting a Littmann Classic II SE stethoscope before I start my CNA class. I've read a lot of good things about it on allnurses.Last edit by jb2u on Mar 15, '07 : Reason: links removed per TOS - Mar 15, '07 by Seven, RN2bQuote from zoozYou are SO right - it is the Prestige Medical Clear Sound. And, it works great for listening for heart/lung - but the outside noises are picked up "big time" - and being completely still - and, not having the cuff rub against the chest piece AT ALL is difficult (at least for me).Your stethoscope looks like my Prestige Medical Clear Sound. I haven't been able to compare it to any other stethoscopes, but I can hear heart and lung sounds (haven't taken a BP yet) with it as long as I don't move my fingers at all on the chest piece. Everything is amplified, obviously, but I didn't expect "outside" noises to come through so much. I'm not sure if that's normal or not.
I plan on getting a Littmann Classic II SE stethoscope before I start my CNA class. I've read a lot of good things about it on allnurses.
Thank you for your reply. Greatly appreciated!Last edit by jb2u on Mar 15, '07 : Reason: removed links to commercial website per TOS -
Mar 16, '07 by kakalikaAre you sure you may have to take blood pressure on your State's exam? Here in Minnesota, taking blood pressure is not on the State test. - Mar 17, '07 by Seven, RN2bHere they select five "random" practical activities that you must perform - so, BP could be one. Ugh!
-
- Mar 17, '07 by kakalikaI guess it is different in other States. In MN we have 5 random skills as well, but one will be hand washing, and one will be a measurement skill, like temp, pulse, respirations, weight or urine output. The next three are random.
-
Mar 17, '07 by MelinaDo you get to bring your own steth? Usually there is a teaching scope at the testing site, so the observer can listen as well.
~Mel' - Mar 19, '07 by indierockmake sure you have it in the right place. As long as you see the needle ticking, you are close. If all else fails, the blood pressure *usually* starts after the first tick (not counting it).
