question about devices that measure bloodpressure

Tweety, BSN, RN · Oct 4, 2006

Good luck. I moved your post out of the Introductions Forum to a forum where others might see it and answer.

CIRQL8 · Oct 4, 2006

A device that measures blood pressure is called a sphygmomanometer (sfĭg″mō-măn-ŏm′ĕt-ĕr) (I copied this out of Tabers.com). Brand does not matter in my opinion. If this is for practice on others, I would use a manual (nothing beats a manual one) - but if it is for use on yourself, I'd get an automatic one (or use the free one at your local pharmacy). You may need to buy your own stethescope. You should be able to buy one at any medical supply store. The size of the cuff really does matter. It must fit correctly, or your readings will not be accurate. Size depents on the girth of the arm it is to go around. Get the stethescope that your program/instructor advises. Hopefully you have a friend or instructor (or a tutor) that can instruct you to take B/P. After that, experience may make you better.

In a nutshell, be sure that you can visualize the sphygmomanometer while the cuff is placed around the patient's upper arm (be sure that you can place the stethescope on the antecube (otehr side of the elbow) of the arm, over the artery. Tighten the valve of the cuff, squeeze the bulb until the pressure measures about 200 mmHg. Place the stethescope as described before. If you can hear the pulse, pump cuff tighter (until you cannot hear the pulse) I hope that is not the case!! Slowly release the pressure of the cuff by opening the release valve. Listen for the beat of the artery. When you forst hear the beat, that is the top number (systolic) pressure, or the pressure in the vessels as the heart (left ventricle) contracts. Continue letting the air out. When you can no longer hear the beat, that is the lower number (diastolic), or the pressure of the vessels as the heart relaxes.

As you get better and more experienced, you will be able to complete the task quicker and quicker.

Sorry if this is choppy - I've been going back and forth between this and other things.

nurscathwil · Oct 5, 2006

hey there,

as a nurse with 25 yrs. exp., i can tell you that the one most important instrument that you will have to buy in med-surg nursing is a b/p cuff and stethoscope. all the listening you do within the body has to do with listening with your stethoscope or "ears". next best is your hands for palpation of the body. anyway the best stethoscope is probably not important unless you have a hard time hearing sounds. in that case, the better brand is of course a littman. as for as a b/p cuff, it doesn't matter either because the rubber bladder inside the material cuff will deterioate after several years anyway/ plus you can buy replacement bladders for the cuffs and replacement bulbs or screws. hope that was helpful