I need tips for taking a manual BP please!

Miss Infermiera2b, BSN, RN · Sep 6, 2015

Make sure that you have a decent stethoscope that works for you personally, because that could be a problem.

One thing that helped me was listening to Korotkoff sounds online and using BP simulators which require you to type in the correct BP.

The pressure on the stethoscope depends on the type you have. I use a Littmann Cardiology III which does not require much pressure, it only requires me to make a "seal" on the brachial artery.

If you hear sounds that low, it may just be the scuffling of the stethoscope, or background noise.

Lev, MSN, RN, NP · Sep 6, 2015

Feel for pulse while pumping up the cuff. Note when the pulse disappears. This is a ballpark systolic BP. Also, see if you can stick the stethoscope head partially under the BP cuff. Sometimes it will stay and you may hear better.

Meeshie · Sep 6, 2015

A suggestion - buy a BP cuff. They're pretty cheap off of Amazon. Practice at home until you're confident. Practice on your family.. your friends.. etc.. over time you'll develop the skill you're looking for.

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Sep 7, 2015

So, I'm a first semester student and am just learning how to take a manual BP. I have a few questions:
- Is there a way to prevent or minimize the sound of my hand/ wrist twitching on the stethoscope's bell? It sounds just like a Korotkoff sound to me.
-Half of the time, the gauge bounces before I hear the first sound. Does this mean I missed the first sound? Am I releasing the pressure too slow?
-How hard should I press the stethoscope into the arm?
-What does it mean if I hear sounds all the way down until 30 mmHg (I know that the person I took it on was not hypotensive)?
If you have any useful tips, that'd be great! ( I have check-offs in a week )

I think you are over analyzing, my dear new nursing student.

Just keep your body still. I use my thumb to hold the bell, bell positioned partially under the cuff.

Disregard the bounce of the gauge, instead listen carefully.

Practice practice practice! I recall practicing on my mom, my kids, nieces and nephews, my ex husband (we were separated at the time). I practiced on the kids legs near the popliteal.

I press pretty hard on the bell.

If you're hearing sounds for too long, try to notice when the sound changes.

Another trick is to ask what the pts Bp normally runs. This will give u an idea of when to start noticing the different sounds.

After all that is done, learn to trust yourself!! That's your biggest asset!!

NurslingNicole · Sep 7, 2015

Here's a link to a BP simulator that you can practice with.

Blood Pressure

Valcorie34, BSN, MSN, RN · Sep 7, 2015

I had a lot of similar problems when I started as a CNA. I am lucky to have a lot of practice before starting school.

when you hold the bell, dont cover the bell with your thumb. Just touch the sides. Encourage the patient to hold still and rest their arm comfortably so they dont keep moving. That should help limit the noises.

You said the gauge bounces before you hear noise, I doubt it because you are releasing the pressure too slowly. It sounds like your releasing too fast. I used to hear the sounds before seeing the bounce. I think it just takes practice.

You dont need to press hard with the diaphram. Just make sure itsresting on the right area and against the skin. I have a cheep spraugue and it does fine even on elderly hard to hear just release slowly if its hard to hear.

nursej22, MSN, RN · Sep 7, 2015

Stabilize the client's arm by supporting on a firm surface, or if need be, or by wrapping you arm under theirs.