I failed my Blood pressure assessment

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I can always hear diastolic but I can never systolic. The sound is never clear to me. I have a littman classic 2 stethoscope so I don't know if that is the issue. Everybody else in my class has the same steothscope except for some reason I can't hear it. I failed my assessment for BP as I knew I would. I keep practicing but I cant seem to get it. Any tips or suggestions. Anyone else out there who took them a while to get bp. What did you do?

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I am still learning and I actually have my assessment this coming Tuesday.. I had trouble hearing it as well and someone told me to not look at the dial, close your eyes and just listen a few times. Once you can recognize the sounds it helps.

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Make sure that your stethoscope is directly over the brachial artery, even if you have to palpate for it a couple of times. Also, be sure the ear pieces for the scope fit well in the ear and are pointed forward toward your nose. Do you do the 2 part blood pressure? IF you do the 1st part gives you the expected systolic reading.

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Specializes in Emergency.

A good stethoscope goes a long way when it comes to nursing. IMHO, the best stethoscope is the Cardiology III.

But, as luvnlfe said, make sure it's in the right spot. Also, make sure that everyone is quiet. If all else fails, look for the systolic blood pressure on the radial artery. It's about as fast as finding SBP/DBP.

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Specializes in School Nursing.

I failed it the first time too! Just be sure to practice and then practice some more.

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Specializes in School Nursing.

Plus- the Littman Classic II is an excellent stethoscope. The Cardiology III is no doubt a superior stethoscope for a cardiologist, but you do not need it for nursing school, or even practice unless you're looking to work in a cardiology specialty. There is no reason to spend $200 on a stethoscope, when the one you have is excellent.

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I had trouble to at first, your stethoscope is too long try cutting off an inch to inch an half it will help

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Thank you everyone for your suggestions.

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I agree, I don't want to spend more but if I cant hear it, then maybe I need to.

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Are you sure cutting it will really help?

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Who have you practiced on?! Are you palpating the brachial artery first? Applying firm pressure? Cuff on tight enough?

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Also, is your diaphragm open? Have you tried listening w an open bell instead? To me, bp is practice makes perfect...

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