Best way to learn to do B/P

[luv4nursing]

Hello, I am a new LPN student and am a little nervous about learning to do everything. Our first check offs in about a week will be vital signs. My main concern is blood pressure. We only did this for a little while one day but I wasnt catching on. I know I will get more practice but would like to know if anyone has any tips on learning to properly take blood pressure. I know the systolic is the first sound u hear and the diastolic is the last but maybe Im letting the air out too fast to hear it or something. I would get drastically different readings each time on the same person. Anyone? thanks in advance.

[EarthChild1130]

I had a terrible time with BP until I changed my stethescope...I simply couldn't hear the sounds I was supposed to be hearing...I understood the concept but couldn't hear the sounds, and it's hard when you're in lab full of other people who also can't hear the sounds LOL...

My advice is get the best scope you can afford...I finally had to chunk the $20 double-tube scope I'd bought and get a $48 single-tube Littman...the difference is amazing...I can hear everything with that scope and the BP reading is MUCH more accurate, IMO...I think it has to do with the double tubes diffusing the sound more...that single tube concentrates the sound better which helps me hear the sounds.

I also bought a manual BP cuff w/attached scope (which I removed), and I practiced on EVERYBODY...my hubby, nieces and nephews, parents, neighbors, and the psych patients with whom I volunteer (who were all too happy to help, I might add!)...Hang in there...if I can do it, anybody can do it!! :balloons:

[EmilyCCRN]

I agree with all the folks that recommend getting a good stethoscope. It made a huge difference for me when I got my Littman. And practice, practice, practice -- that's the best way to master a new skill! With respect to locating the brachial artery, my instructor told us to follow the ring finger up to the antecubital space. I've been able to locate the artery every time with this technique.

[ATB]

Wow!~ This is great info on the Littman. Our equipment is so basic, so I wondered if more expensive, technical equipment would be worth the price. I'm not sure where or how to get a Littman before our skills test on Wed. Besides, I go to class from 8-5 daily, so no time to research this. But.......I will give it my best shot. If not for the skills test to pass the CNA class, but buy it for the State test. Oh---and a quiet room does make a difference. Thanks to all and keep the positive vibes coming my way! ATB

[HollyUTM]

Hi there! I'm not a student, but was until a month ago, so maybe I can help. I do agree with the Littman. Our teacher required us to get those. If you are having a hard time taking blood pressure, the best thing I can say to do is to find the pulse first, before you listen. And the best way to do that is to put on the cuff, and feel for the pulse, this means you'll probably have to pump it up just a little to feel it, not very much though. Some teachers don't teach to do this but mine also taught us to take blood pressure by doing the following: Without using the Littman, find the person's pulse, and pump the bulb to inflate the cuff, if you can still feel it, pump it again, continue to pump one time and feel, until you can no longer feel the pulse. when you can no longer feel it anymore, then deflate the cuff. Take that number you were at when you could no longer feel the pulse and add 30 to it... and that will be how high you need to inflate the cuff to when you are actually listening to it. This gives you a very accurate reading, and it also allows you to feel where the pulse is strongest at and know where to place the stethoscope for hearing it the best. By the way, even if your teachers didn't tell you this method or whatnot, remember it - it was the very first question on my boards Just a hint, if I can help anymore, yell at me. I was a student not long ago, and am still just waiting on news from my boards. Best of luck!

Holly

[ATB]

Holly---thanks for your reply. We do the same procedure, but I think Im having such a hard time because our steth's are so cheap. I need to invest in a Littman or some other one with some "guts." I did pass my skills in the CNA class but now have to pass the State skills. Hope I fare as well. Oh, thanks for the offer for help. Always reassurring!

ATB

[FairyPrincess06]

These tips are all really helpful. I had so much trouble with learning to do B/P's last semester in health assessment. But I hope these tips will point me in the right dirrection to become sucessful at taking B/P's this upcomming semester.