Problems taking blood pressure??

[lvn2be]

For some reason, I have never been able to take someone's blood pressure. I don't understand why. I was in HOSA in highschool and when it came to b/p I was the only one...and now in LVN school, again, I am the only one that can't take b/p. If I can't get it before Thursday I won't be able to go to clinicals. I bought a cuff to practice on my husband, but he is getting tired of having his b/p taken... Has anyone had a similar problem or have advice for why I may not be able to do a b/p?? Hopefully I am not the only one!!

kris

[z's playa]

How's your hearing?

Not kidding here. A girl in my class actually ended up having a hearing problem and that was the reason why she couldn't take a BP.

Maybe you need to review.

Dunno. I'm new at it too but no problems so far. So far. :chuckle

Z

[purplemania, BSN, RN]

Have your hearing checked first. Could be certain sounds are not audible to you. If that is not the problem, invest in a really good stethescope (ask to try it out at the store). They make them with amplifiers.

I had trouble discerning various sounds at first but practice took care of that. Good luck.

[traumamedic]

Two words: Littmann stethoscope. I like my Littmann Classic II S.E. Try it out first though and see if it helps. They're a lot louder.

[lvn2be]

I had my hearing checked about 3 months ago and it was great, and I have a Littman. I found out today what my problem is. Everyone has always said to listen for a "whoosh" or "psshh" sound, but I have never heard it. I was talking to a friend of mine and she and I sat down and tried to figure out why I couldn't hear it...I have been hearing it all along, but I hear it differently. I hear it more as a heartbeat than a whoosing noise...so I got checked off on it today and did fine... I can go onto clinicals! Thanks ya'll!

kris

[sunnie_gal]

I am glad that you figured out the problem and can move onward!

Keep us posted on your clinicals.