BP and Brachial Pulse

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Hi everyone,

New nursing student and new to allnurses.com! I am having trouble with palpating the brachial pulse and hearing the pulse while taking BP. I practiced on my husband and it seemed he was easy to feel and hear but when practicing on the girls in class I have trouble locating/palpating it and hearing. Any helpful suggestions or tips for me? :)

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Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care.

Good day, KrystalAlmanza

See https://allnurses.com/nursing-student-assistance/vitals-942167.html

Thank you.

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Specializes in Critical Care/Vascular Access.

I never have a problem hearing the pulse when taking BP, but palpating it isn't always as easy, depending on the person's body and vasculature.

I generally just put the stethoscope in the dead center of the bend of the elbow and hold it down with just a little bit of pressure. Even if it's not directly over the persons brachial, you will still be able to hear it if your stethoscope is working as it should. Make sure you don't have it set to use the bell instead of the diaphragm if you have that type of stethoscope, ha, I've seen that done before.

Also, make friends with youtube. There are videos of practically every thing RN's do, from NG's to BP's. Take advantage and look everything up.

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