Help with BP!!!

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Hello

I am in my second semester of my BN. Our 1st sem is just pre-reqs that are built into the program so this semester we are learning actual nursing things and how to do blood pressures which i am terrible at!!

I have been reading previous threads about it..but wondered if anyone has any tips to help me. I have trouble hearing the first korotkoff sound....i can hear so many other noises that i dont know which one is the actual korotkoff.

I have a Littmann, tried different ear pieces and practice at home every night but dont seem to be getting better.

Any advice?

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

practice doing a lot of b/ps. use ohio states's virtual b/p cuff for lots of practice (it's on the b/p links below):

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practice doing a lot of b/ps. use ohio states's virtual b/p cuff for lots of practice (it's on the b/p links below):

you always come up with such awesome things to help out!! :bow: i never asked though, are you an instructor?

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.
You always come up with such awesome things to help out!! :bow: I never asked though, are you an instructor?

No, I am not.

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Specializes in CNA - geriatrics.

Try doing your B.Ps without any "extra noises" going on around you. Ask you client to be ask quite as possible, close the door, and turn off any tvs or radios. Just keep practicing and eventually it'll all come together. :)

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Specializes in OR-ortho, neuro, trauma.

Make sure the rubber tubing of the BP cuff and the stethoscope aren't touching. Find the right pressure of holding the diaphragm (sp?) on the patients arm, too hard/soft you won't be able to hear. Make sure you palpate the brachial artery first.

Good luck!!! You'll get it, it just takes some time!

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like kat von b said, make sure the tubing of your stethoscope isn't touching. the diaphragm/bell also should not touch the actual BP cuff because that can cause "extra noise" which can make it harder to hear.

also some people's BP's are naturally just harder to hear (like mine, for example). our instructor always told us to come to the LRC (which is where we practice all of our technical skills) after lunch time and after drinking a lot of water (not coffee!) - it will make the sounds easier to hear, trust me!

good luck! just keep practicing...you can't expect to be an expert right off the bat. everything comes with practice. and that Ohio State Virtual BP cuff is an excellent resource. :nurse:

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Thank You everyone!!

There are a few things i was doing that shouldn't have been doing...so i have cut out some extra noise!! Otherwise i will just keep practicing!!

Thanks again

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