Any tips on taking vitals on geriatric patients?

[StudentLPN88]

Hello! I am a level 1 LPN student and so far our clinicals have been in long term care facilities. I have found that I've been having difficulty obtaining blood pressure on my older patients and it's really stressing me out! I know how to take blood pressure, but listening for the heartbeat (the systolic) has been giving me trouble. Also it seems that just finding the brachial pulse has been more difficult on my older patients because they seem to all be very faint. The brand of stethoscope that I've been using is called "Prestige", but I hear the Littmann stethoscopes are pretty good, but the ones I've looked at have been pretty pricey. Are they worth it though? Or is there an even better brand to use other than Littmann? Any tips/comments would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

[NURSE2BTD]

I have a littmann and I have never had any trouble with getting BP! If I'm not mistaken I think littmann is the best brand you can get and the original ones are not as pricey as the specialty ones like cardiac etc.

[sps0304]

I have a Littmann Classic II and Iove it! I have never had a problem hearing with it and the sounds come through great! I am on my LTC rotation in my RN program and have been able to hear those faint heartbeats, and some of my classmates borrow my scope to hear their patients. This one isn't super expensive, I was going to go with a cardiology one but I'm glad I decided on the classic! Hope this helps :)

[csoultz]

Just a fyi its an investment so yea its totally worth it, plus you can use it as a tax write off so why not?!

[soncheraewilliams]

Im also a level one lpn student and feel the same way! Just take your time and dont rush feel for the brachial pulse first then place your stethescope there it may take a few secs but you will find it eventually..good luck!