electronic bp cuff

I've done probably 25,000 manual BP's over the years. Yes, that many! If you take the time to do it right, taking a manual BP can actually be faster than using an auto-cuff. When I take manual BP's, I much prefer to use the type that has the gauge and pump in one hand so that I don't have to put the gauge somewhere on the patient or where I can't see it all that well while I'm listening.

How I do it that fast: I palpate the brachial pulse, inflate the cuff while inflating, and note when the pulse disappears. Inflate another 20 or 30 mmHg, place the stethoscope head and start deflating while listening. In less than a minute (usually around 30 seconds), I've got a good, accurate, auscultated BP. I find the brachial pulse because that's where I'm going to put the steth and if I don't know for sure where it is (some patients will vary), I might have a very difficult time hearing an accurate BP.

I have used some auto units that are portable, but I prefer ones that you can put around an arm. I'm just not a fan of wrist cuffs except as a gross measure of BP OK, Too Low, or Too High... and when I get a reading like that, I'm going to take a "traditional" BP anyway to back up/confirm the finding.

I totally agree with above post on preference, and I'm still a nursling (just 9yrs), but as soon as you see that diastolic, you can get that bad boy off and go!

That said, I don't guess any brand would be better or worse, they are all usually certified by some agency. The important thing is to always hold them at heart level to get an accurate reading, if they are laying down, it's close enough. But otherwise, if they are sitting in a chair or something, have them hold it to heart level.

Good Luck!

well - I'm not a nurse but I will tell you that the dentists office attempted to take a bp on me last Friday using a wrist cuff and it came out to 178/140 - not sure how I'd be alive with that diastolic - my pressure is usually 120/80 or better...as long as the patient is quiet I have no problem (as a student) getting a manual BP in a minute or two.

Thanks so much for the advice!

I have 40 patients on my shift and sometimes its hard to get a cuff around their arm. I usually do manuals but sometimes I have to use the wrist one. If it seems high I always recheck manually. I'm the only nurse with only 2 aides so it gets crazy at times.

I would advise caution in using your own BP equipment on the floor - it can be a liablity issue. I had played with the idea of buying my own pulse ox to use at work, as ours were pieces of junk that hardly ever functioned properly. I was advised against it by the other nurses here, who pointed out that I could be held responsible for the upkeep, accuracy, calibration, etc of the equipment. If it malfunctioned in any way ( inaccurate results, etc. ) it could be interpreted as my responsibility for using unapproved personal equipment.

I took the advice, and am glad I did so. I went to our nurse manager, then the ADON, & finally the DON to get a functioning pulse ox for the floor. All the nurses benefitted from the new equipment, and I protected my license!

Oh ok then I will do that. Thanks so much for the advice I appreciate it!