Taking blood pressure on an agitated patient - Page 2

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  1. Feb 25 by
    very good advice i am new to nursing and physch too thanks for the well written advice.

    Quote from marshmallowstar
    Along the lines of helping them feel in control is asking which side he wants the bp on. So then the choices aren't yes or no to "Can I do your vitals?" but left or right to "I need to do your vitals, which side do you perfer?" I would also explore why he doesn't want his vitals done. I've had patients that it triggers restraint memories or trauma survivors that it triggers flashbacks. Is it a form of suicidality by not attending to medical needs or do they just want to finish watching their tv show and would agree to them later?
  2. Feb 27 by
    Quote from marshmallowstar
    Along the lines of helping them feel in control is asking which side he wants the bp on. So then the choices aren't yes or no to "Can I do your vitals?" but left or right to "I need to do your vitals, which side do you perfer?" I would also explore why he doesn't want his vitals done. I've had patients that it triggers restraint memories or trauma survivors that it triggers flashbacks. Is it a form of suicidality by not attending to medical needs or do they just want to finish watching their tv show and would agree to them later?
    Very good advice. Exploring by asking open ended questions would provide you with more useful cues regarding your patient's status and behavior.
  3. Feb 27 by
    I occasionally have that issue except that it is a agitated/confused pt refusing to allow our night aide to take the VS. Usually if I go in myself after a short lapse of time, I'm able to get them myself. Perhaps after allowing a little time to pass, ask another person to try; the pt may just respond better to someone else.