Blood pressure question

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I'm having trouble being consistent with the phase 1 systolic pressure. Using the same stethoscope as other students I'm often getting readings that are 6-8 below what they are hearing. I usually hear tiny sounds from myself or the patients slight movements that seem to cover up the faint beats. I can mostly eliminate the sounds by holding only to the rubber tubing and pressing down from there, but I think the lack of pressure may be making the sounds weaker.

Any advice or suggestions on how to get more consistent in hearing these? If I've gone down below where I think the reading should be, will it screw things up if I pump up the pressure another 10-15 to double check?

Thanks!

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Hi there. Make sure you are at eye level with the dial. If you are sitting above or below it, it will skew your reading. If it's not that, just keep practicing and making sure you are using a quality stethoscope. It may be one that works for others but not for you.

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When I was doing blood pressure and was having trouble with it; people instructed me to go to this website:

http://www.abdn.ac.uk/medical/bhs/tutorial/q1.htm

It helped me a ton and I passed my bp practicum on the first try with 100%.

Keep practicing and you'll get the hang of it. =D

Up Vote Up Vote ×
When I was doing blood pressure and was having trouble with it; people instructed me to go to this website:

http://www.abdn.ac.uk/medical/bhs/tutorial/q1.htm

It helped me a ton and I passed my bp practicum on the first try with 100%.

Keep practicing and you'll get the hang of it. =D

Thanks a bunch! this site is awesome, I am going to study this for my test too! thanks again!!

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