Problems with Blood Pressure Cuff

[ERICA57]

Could not figure out what was going on!! Today at clinical (and this has happened before too) , when I tried to inflate the cuff, the gauge did not move. Rather, the air I pumped in seemed to dissipate within the cuff, and it inflated kind of like a balloon..rather than forcing the pressure gauge to rise.

I checked carefully and I'm almost positive that the value on the bulb was closed, i.e. air wasn't leaking. HELP!!

[That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Was the connection tight between the wall unit and the cuff? Or the cuff and attached dial. I know that gave me heck when I started out sometimes.

[ERICA57]

It was one of those portable measurement systems on wheels. Sounds like what you are saying is air was escaping from somewhere, yes?

I just want to be able to diagnose the issue, so I can correct my mistake, not keep repeating it!! I did not check the connection between one guage and hose, that's a good suggestion. But one of my classmates had used the device w' no problems just before.

I'm thinking even though I *thought* the value to the bulb was closed, perhaps it wasn't ...

Thanks for replying. :)

[That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

yeah it is always a good idea to check those. Also, is the cuff wrapped tight around the persons arm. If there is a decent enough gap it will fill up with air but not increase the pressure.

Just remember right tighty lefty loosey

[ERICA57]

So you're saying if the cuff insn't wrapped snugly enough, this dissipates the pressure within the cuff, rather than causing the gauge to rise.

I think this may be my problem, since b/c of their illness, the arms of many of the pts I'm working with are very very thin.

What did you mean righty tighty, lefty loosey??

Thank you very much!

[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

Just remember right tighty lefty loosey

This. :)

And make sure the tubing connections to the cuff/pump are secure.

[That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

So you're saying if the cuff insn't wrapped snugly enough, this dissipates the pressure within the cuff, rather than causing the gauge to rise.

I think this may be my problem, since b/c of their illness, the arms of many of the pts I'm working with are very very thin.

What did you mean righty tighty, lefty loosey??

Thank you very much!

Yeah pretty much. When there is a gap there, it doesnt meet any resistance and wont allow the pressure to rise.

You dont know righty tighty lefty loosey!!!!! what do they teach in schools these days. It is an easy way to remember which way to screw the valve on the bulb to either release pressure or to close it. Right is tight so clockwise will tighten it down. Left is loose or counter clockwise to loosen in up.