Digital bp monitors

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I work for an O2 supply company. I set pt's up on CPAPs, BiPAPs, instruct them on neb usage and sometimes I must evaluate a pt to determine the need be placed on O2. I have to do a care plan and take vitals. I have a regular bp cuff but I was thinking of getting a digital one that will give all the readings quickly 'cause some of the places I have to visit I don't want to stick around any longer than I have to....in and out, the quicker the better - but I still need to give quality, efficient care. Does anyone know how reliable the digital monitors are?

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Tele, IM, OB/GYN, neuro, GI.

We had them at my old job. Thought they would be great and cut time doing vitals. Most of the time we would get an error reading, it would pump all the way up and only give the pulse, or the cuff would pop off even on the stick arms. The best was when it would work then the batteries would die after just being replaced. Just went back to the manual bp cuffs. Don't know if it was the model or not but if it's something you're interested in maybe stop by a medical supply store if there is one around so you can play with the different types and find which one has the things you want.

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Specializes in IM/Critical Care/Cardiology.

IMO I can understand your concern with time and facility. But to be responsible for a "good assessment" and quality care, I would rather use a calibrated manual cuff, than risk a false BP read.

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Specializes in PACU.

I absolutely loathe the things, esp. in pts that are unable to remain still enough for the machine to do its thing without error. I have had a digital one pop off that the same pt was extremely hypertensive and then extremely hypotensive all in the space of 2 minutes.

Needless to say, I dug out a manual one and have been using it since. The manual cuff actually saves me time and is easier to use. The chances of getting a way off reading are also much lower.

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Specializes in Med/surg,Tele,PACU,ER,ICU,LTAC,HH,Neuro.

They are more accurate than digital wrist B/P monitors. Most error readings are easy to detect. When I was in home health I used them all. The best assessment will come with a manual B/P. I would suggest the digital ones to pts so they could learn to monitor their own B/P, but I would suggest to a nurse to use the manual. They are convenient, but the consensus is probably gonna be they are not as accurate as hearing it with your own TWO EARS.

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Thanks for your input on bp cuffs. I guess I'll have to stick with the manual ones and hold my breath when I'm in undesirable situations and hope for the best. Much appreciated.

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