BP on elderly patient--?

[OnlinePersona, LPN]

Hi,

Anyone have any tips on how to take BP on a elderly patient with a frail frame without hurting them? It makes me so uncomfortable when I have to take one on someone who is frail.

Thanks

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

I've gotten pediatric sized cuffs for the very tiny ones. Otherwise, I inflate the cuff slowly while listening for the cessation of pulse after the needle exceeds the SBP. That way if his/her SBP is 90, I know there's no sense inflating the cuff to 180--it doesn't get tighter than it needs to.

[OnlinePersona, LPN]

I've gotten pediatric sized cuffs for the very tiny ones. Otherwise, I inflate the cuff slowly while listening for the cessation of pulse after the needle exceeds the SBP. That way if his/her SBP is 90, I know there's no sense inflating the cuff to 180--it doesn't get tighter than it needs to.

Thanks!