help to understand bp readings

mvm2 · Sep 18, 2014

If your asking if there is a reading that is too high to report? There is none as long as you take it accuratly you need to report the findings no matter what. If you think you might have taken the BP wong then just take it again and see if it changes.

Now there can be situations where a BP has the potential of not being accurate. The only times I can think of not reporting a BP right away if it is abnormal would be when the resident just did exercises, or walked a long way back to his room or something to that nature. Or if you know that your resident was very upset about something then a BP could potentially be inaccurate, and I'd wait a few minutes to take it again and then report the BP.

Hope that helps

duskyjewel · Sep 18, 2014

I would expect such a question from someone who hasn't yet completed their CNA program, but someone who has should know when BP values are abnormal and need reporting to the nurse. I'm wondering about the quality of your program, unfortunately.

I too don't understand the "too high" question.

hookyarnandblanket · Sep 19, 2014

I report anything with a systolic power than 100 or higher than 128 and a diastolic lower than 70 or higher than 84. Most guidelines state anymore that even 120/80 is considered pre-hypertensive. There is never a BP too high to be reported; if I take a BP on a patient who just ambulated and it's high, I check it manually and report it to the nurse, even if it's still in range. Vitals are so critical; if you feel like something is off with a BP, make sure you took it on the correct place (especially on stroke patients, patients who are on dialysis, and patients who have had mastectomies) check it a second time *manually* and report it to the nurse, no matter the reading. Manual pressures are far more accurate than any machine and if you check it a second time manually before telling the nurse, you will save yourself extra time and hassle.