How do you palpate a BP?

sharona97, BSN, RN · Sep 13, 2007

I believe it is when you place your finger on the radial pulse and pump up the BP cuff, as you slowly release the pressure of the cuff the first beat you feel is the systolic pressure. I've recorded as an example 48/s. I hpe this is correct. Any thoughts?

crb613, BSN, RN · Sep 13, 2007

Find the radial pulse

inflate the cuff until pulse disappears...note the reading

continue to inflate 30 more

release until you feel pulse...this is your systolic by palp.

sharona97, BSN, RN · Sep 13, 2007

Find the radial pulse
inflate the cuff until pulse disappears...note the reading
continue to inflate 30 more
release until you feel pulse...this is your systolic by palp.

Thanks for clarifying this correctly! Sharona97

KR · Sep 13, 2007

The BP by palp is generally recorded as something/p or palp. That way it is known that the BP was taken by palpation.

sharona97, BSN, RN · Sep 13, 2007

The BP by palp is generally recorded as something/p or palp. That way it is known that the BP was taken by palpation.

Thanks Karen, it's been along time, but always good review skills. Now I remember to reecord /p rather than /s. :idea: :idea:

CHATSDALE · Sep 13, 2007

i have known hearing impaired nurses who could do this skillfully

i was never good about this but could palpitate ng tube placement sometimes easier done than with a syethoscope

al1012 · Sep 14, 2007

Don't remember ever having been taught this. Maybe it's because I'm over 40!

When you are getting the BP. After attaching the cuff, feel for the radial pulse (with the tips of the second and third fingers). Then proceed to inflate the cuff until you no longer feel the pulse. When the pulse disappears, more or less the extremity is occluded. Take note of the pressure then release the cuff. Let the arm rest for about a minute then position the diaphragm on the antecubital area of the arm with the cuff.

The auscultatory gap which is a point wherein the audible pulsations disappear for a few seconds then reappear. To make sure that you actually get the first sound and not start somewhere in the auscultatory gap.

Inflate the cuff to 20 mm Hg higher than the prior value obtained. That way you avoid the auscultatory gap and will really hear the 1st sound (systolic bp).

When taking BP, ideally you release the pressure at the rate of 10mm Hg/ 3 seconds. At least that is what Fundamentals of Nursing specifies. Where the sound disappears is your diastolic bp.

Cheers.

al

kathypbib · Sep 19, 2007

there is a way to palpate a systolic and a diastolic and it's pretty darn accurate. Place your fingers on the pulse near the A.C. (right where you'd place the bell of your stethoscope), feel the pulse, pump up the cuff about 20-30 mm past where you loose the pulse. Release slowly. The first time you feel a pulse will be the systolic, when you feel the "change" in the pulse, that is your diastolic. Exactly like you'd take it with your stethoscope, only you're using your finger tips. Practice it a couple of times before you rely on it. It's a great skill to have when you're in a noisy place and can't hear a pulse.