It's really hard for me to do blood pressure

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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I'm a cna student and I'll be graduating this may we started doing clinicals and I tried blood pressure for the the first time and Its really hard. I've been practicing and I just can't get it. I'm scared that this will hold me back and I'll never get it. My problem is reading the systolic and diastolic and it might be the way let the air out of the cuff too. Please help. Any advice???

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Specializes in Cardiac (adult), CC, Peds, MH/Substance.

Have you watched instructionals on YouTube?

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They did have us watch a video on it, but that didn't help

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Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

Just keep practicing. There are also some very good youtube videos for the different sounds if you are having trouble distinguishing what you should be hearing. While you are still learning and building confidence remember that it is okay to take things slowly and to re-do if necessary (use the other arm or wait a couple minutes). Every one takes time to build proficiency.

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Thank you I definitely will keep trying :)

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Make sure the stethoscope you have is right for you, and you are using it properly.

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Specializes in Cardiac ICU.

This was a huge fear of mine while going through my CNA course. Make sure that you understand how to use all of the equipment before you move forward. Once you understand how to utilize it and that you're using it correctly then begin practicing.

This is a video from an individual that I feel is pretty informative. Feel free to skip around within the demonstration to get to the actual part where she demonstrates how to take the blood pressure if you already understand everything else.

I would also suggest trying to get a blood pressure on an individual who everyone else seems to not have a problem getting an accurate blood pressure on. I know there were a few students in my class that were pretty difficult to get an accurate reading from and then there were a few others who were very easy to get a blood pressure reading from.

Once you hear the sounds the first time you'll get a better understanding on how to do it each and every time. Practice, practice, practice! I always jump at the opportunity to do a manual blood pressure on a patient in order to stay fresh on that skill.

You'll get it if you haven't already!

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Practice practice practice!! I used to suck at taking blood pressures. That is until I had a summer internship at a cardiac rehabilitation unit. OMG, I had to take manual BP's on patient's running their treadmills or riding their ellipticals at the same time. It took some getting there but now I can perform BP's because of that practice. Practice on family members. Practice isolating outside sound and listening for that first beat. I also watch the ticker jump as well on my sphygmomanometer while I'm listening for the client's beat. I feel that helps me tremendously. Practice makes perfect.

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Specializes in Case Manager/Administrator.

Try practicing on family/friends. When you pump up the cuff to the desired amount you want slowly let it release, close your eyes (remember this is practice) and just listen. Sounds funny but it can work give it a try. Once you get use to the sounds then you can begin to become proficient with blood pressures. as a BSN I am counting on NA-c's to give me the blood pressures before I start my medication pass. Some medication can interact with blood pressures so it is important to an accurate blood pressure before I give medication to the patient. Depending on what the blood pressure reads I may hold the medication and call the doctor. I am counting on you to get that blood pressure right

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I was taught to roll up a towel and practice with that. It'll help you gain control of the knob. Also, eliminate extra noises around you (turn off the tv/radios). It can also help to look for when the nozzle jumps.

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I remember when I was in the CNA program and trying to learn obtaining manual BP readings. I was SO nervous. I'm now a pro. I'm a nurse, but I mastered it before getting licensed.

One tip...try to feel the brachial pulse. It's usually not in the center of the arm, but a little to the inside. Place your stethoscope there and you will hear better. First get used to just hearing the sounds. Even close your eyes to concentrate if need be. Practice on friends and family. THEN start learning how to read the numbers. Practice having good control releasing the air not too quickly so you have time to hear the sounds and match it with a number. You WILL get there with practice.

Good luck! Keep us updated.

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