Solve the mystery please?

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Specializes in OB, M/S, HH, Medical Imaging RN.

I have a question that is puzzling me. Some of the time when I take people's blood pressures the cuff inflates, but the needle that tells you what the pressure is doesn't move. My teachers couldn't explain it. Have you ever had this happen to you? It makes me look pretty inept. Would love it if you could solve the mystery.

I got this e-mail from my SIL. I think perhaps the needle is just stuck on the spigmo? Any other thoughts? Thanks!

Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

The needle is stuck, but more likely is broken. Use a different unit.

Specializes in Rehab, Med Surg, Home Care.

I've had this happen when there was a kink in the tubing attached to the cuff; like when I've stretched it too far to reach a pt sitting on the other side of the bed from the wall unit.

I've had that happen, usually I just thump the plastic over the dial, and it fixes the problem.

Lori

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