Automatic blood pressure cuffs

TazziRN, RN · Mar 22, 2006

You mean buying one for home use? Not a problem with that, as long as you periodically check it against another machine for accuracy. Our facility uses them daily, on all pts, unless it's contraindicated (during thrombolytic therapy, for example) or if we need an absolutely accurate reading with a manual.

veegeern, BSN, RN · Mar 24, 2006

We use them daily on all of our patients (acute care). However, if SBP is >180 or 90 or

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Mar 24, 2006

I use them for a general ballpark figure for patients who are typically stable and have been for a while and don't seem to be having any other probelms. I do take manually on them if I see a change or don't like the readings...but I use this "TOOL" for general things.

Manual is always best for getting that right and accurate figure. When I start out my shift all my patients get the manual done for my initial assessment then when the CNA's take their vs with the machine...I can compare and see if there is a probelm (with the machine or sometimes I am like OHHH and go do it manually to doublecheck).

Most of my patients prefer the manual way, because those automated ones fill so much making it pinch their arms hard...I try to accommodate for that also.

But I so love our new automated ones! It does everything...like pulse ox, temp, bp, pulse...you just have to count your resps! And it does it soooooo quickly! These newer ones do seem to be more reliable and accurate though I will admit...but give each machine a few days on a typical floor....I am sure they will break down soon! LOL!

tridil2000, MSN, RN · Mar 24, 2006

i haven't used manual bp cuffs in acute care in over 10 years. every once in awhile someone will want one manually and you have to hunt down the mobile one.

never much of a difference though.

if icus can titrate neo and dopa using automatic ones why couldn't you use them on more stable patients?

NicInNC, CNA · Mar 24, 2006

What are your facility's policies on using automatic blood pressure cuffs? At the places I've worked at, they weren't allowed in most cases but allowed when residents were combative, had severe contractures, or morbidly obese. I can see how people don't want us to depend on machines, but they're still cool devices. Is it worth buying one?

Get this...when I had my CNA training, the automatic ones were the ones we were TRAINED on. I had to teach myself how to manually take a BP. Imagine how freaked out the Med Tech at my facility was when she asked me to take a vital sign of a particular resident and I told her that I wasn't very good at the manual BP cuffs since that wasn't what I was trained on. I felt so stupid! Thankfully, my friend is a nurse, so she helped me out and in no time I had the hang of it.

I don't think that the automatic ones are as accurate, but then again, it's hard to get an accurate one on a morbidly obese or combative resident. I think an automatic would be nice to have on hand as long as it wasn't the primary one being used.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Mar 24, 2006

I am so lousy at manual bp. I never hear the first systolic sound.

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Mar 24, 2006

Suesquatch (love that nic!), I also had difficult time hearing. I practiced on myself and loved ones a lot, and that helped, a good steth was another worthy investment, and learning the fine art of palpation BP is another (don't get diastolic on that though...but I have been in situations in the field where noise made that the only way...no automated ones there at the time...I worked outdoor events and concerts for a few summers as a medic).

Just takes good practice or if you are hearing impared...keep on with the automated :). (I have slight imparement).

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Mar 24, 2006

Thanks, TriageRN_34! I invested in a Littmann Cardiology III. And yes, I'm purdy deef.

I'll keep practicing on DH - but he's easy. His pressure is always high and pulse bounding.

:)