Embarassed -- Reading Blood Pressure

Nursing Students CNA/MA

Published

:imbar

I am scheduled to take my state CNA exam in a couple of weeks. I'm having difficulty with taking blood pressure (hearing the heart beats) and I think it is because of the stethoscope that I have. The slightest movement makes such noise that I cannot hear well enough to determine bp. Has anyone else had these difficulties and found a way to help? Or does someone recommend a particular stethoscope?

Attached is a picture of the stethoscope that I have (a gift):

Thanks Much!!

First, don't be embarassed. Nobody knows how to do anything (except maybe breathe, cry or pee) without being taught.

You don't need a pricey stethoscope, your cheapie one will do just fine. The biggest problem you are having is that the tube channels too much noise when it touches something. That happened to me too. Simple solution: take a half a step back and straighten your arms a little bit. Your stethoscope won't brush on anything and you will be able to hear.

Also--the ear pieces should be in your ears aimed at your nose. They should feel comfy, but it they are backwards, they might feel okay but the sound is going in the wrong direction.

Also (again)--is your stethoscope one that flips? Mine was and I didn't know it, I loaned it to a classmate during clinicals and when she gave it back to me, she had turned it. I fumed the whole day thinking she broke it! :rotfl: Now I look at the back of the stethscope head (the part you put on the patient) each and every time I start to use it....

Good luck with this. Oh, BTW, (and this is the most important thing in this post) you want to know how to take a blood pressure and all that other stuff, not because you might need it for your certification, but because your colleagues and your patients need you to know this stuff.

Good luck, let us know how it goes!

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first, don't be embarassed. nobody knows how to do anything (except maybe breathe, cry or pee lol! - true) without being taught.

you don't need a pricey stethoscope, your cheapie one will do just fine. the biggest problem you are having is that the tube channels too much noise when it touches something. that happened to me too. simple solution: take a half a step back and straighten your arms a little bit. your stethoscope won't brush on anything and you will be able to hear. i will try that - and, let you know.

also--the ear pieces should be in your ears aimed at your nose. they should feel comfy, but it they are backwards, they might feel okay but the sound is going in the wrong direction.

also (again)--is your stethoscope one that flips? mine was and i didn't know it, i loaned it to a classmate during clinicals and when she gave it back to me, she had turned it. i fumed the whole day thinking she broke it! that's funny. sounds like something i would do! :lol2: :rotfl: now i look at the back of the stethscope head (the part you put on the patient) each and every time i start to use it....

good luck with this. oh, btw, (and this is the most important thing in this post) you want to know how to take a blood pressure and all that other stuff, not because you might need it for your certification, but because your colleagues and your patients need you to know this stuff.excellent point! thank you!

good luck, let us know how it goes!

will do.

thank you for taking the time to respond. i truly appreciate it!

take care!:icon_hug:

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Specializes in Nursing Home/Subacute/LTC.
First, don't be embarassed. Nobody knows how to do anything (except maybe breathe, cry or pee) without being taught.

You don't need a pricey stethoscope, your cheapie one will do just fine. The biggest problem you are having is that the tube channels too much noise when it touches something. That happened to me too. Simple solution: take a half a step back and straighten your arms a little bit. Your stethoscope won't brush on anything and you will be able to hear.

Also--the ear pieces should be in your ears aimed at your nose. They should feel comfy, but it they are backwards, they might feel okay but the sound is going in the wrong direction.

Also (again)--is your stethoscope one that flips? Mine was and I didn't know it, I loaned it to a classmate during clinicals and when she gave it back to me, she had turned it. I fumed the whole day thinking she broke it! :rotfl: Now I look at the back of the stethscope head (the part you put on the patient) each and every time I start to use it....

Good luck with this. Oh, BTW, (and this is the most important thing in this post) you want to know how to take a blood pressure and all that other stuff, not because you might need it for your certification, but because your colleagues and your patients need you to know this stuff.

Good luck, let us know how it goes!

:lol2: I'm glad I read your post. I'm a CNA and I still have trouble with BP's :uhoh21: I will try this method.

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Specializes in Med/Surg.
Oh, BTW, (and this is the most important thing in this post) you want to know how to take a blood pressure and all that other stuff, not because you might need it for your certification, but because your colleagues and your patients need you to know this stuff.

Exactly. Usually, we can take all our BP's on the DynaMap just fine... until they get to above 250. My nurse asked me to get a BP on a pt who was running PVC's. DynaMap timed out, so I had to get a manual one.

My nurse came in with me... I guess he didn't think I knew how to take BP's manually, but I pumped it up and up and up and got a reading on the first try! It came out to 262/134.... eek!

So. The point is.... all the gadgets we have are wonderful, but you also have to know how to function without them.

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Specializes in long term care.

here is a link to purchase the ADC stethescope kit. i did a search since I need one too.

http://www.medexsupply.com/list-product_info-p-ADC_Pro_s_Combo_lll_Palm_Sprague_Kit_Adult_Black_Latex_Free-mid--pid-2346.html

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