Vital Sign Skills Test

[my4helpers]

We have a skill test over vital signs next week and I am so nervous. I am really having a hard time hearing the systolic when taking the BP. Any advice?

[summerbp]

We were taught to estimate the systolic first by feeling the radial pulse as the cuff inflates. When the pulse disappears, that's your estimation for systolic. It's usually right on the money.

[my4helpers]

We were taught to estimate the systolic first by feeling the radial pulse as the cuff inflates. When the pulse disappears, that's your estimation for systolic. It's usually right on the money.

We are taught to palpate the brachial pulse. I really hope I am ready for tomorrow!

[my4helpers]

Thanks for all your advice! I passed my skills test!!!

[AgentBeast, MSN, RN]

Yeah you palpate the radial pulse and inflate the cuff when you can't feel the radial pulse anymore that is an estimate of systolic bp. You then inflate the cuff 2o to 40 mm/Hg above your palpated systolic bp, and take bp as your normally would. Just beware of people that have an auscultatory gap.