When taking blood pressure for the CNA skills exam?

[ONCRN2017]

I know that your answer can be 8 off. Does that mean it can be 4 off the top and 4 off the bottom or 8 off top and 8 off on the bottom? What exactly does this justify?

Thanks in advance!

Also alot of times I feel like when I hear the first sound it is not really the first sound. Is it a bad idea that since I have cushion to go ahead and add two to my top number? I am pretty good at hearing the last number but sometimes the top gets me.

[mvm2]

Your first quetion I really am not sure about sorry.

With your second question look at the needle really well when listening. If you hear a sound but do not see the needle really have that jump look to it, but see it on the second sound you hear record the second sound. But if when you hear that first sound, and you see that needle jump do not doubt it and record it.

[Beoulve]

I believe you can be off within plus/minus 8 for systolic and diastolic.

[Missingyou, CNA]

For our state, you could be off 4 for systolic and 4 for diastolic.

Do NOT add or subtract from whatever you hear. Listen carefully for a solid beat, not a whisper, but a beat.

You can get a fairly inexpensive cuff for around $12. to practice with.

[ONCRN2017]

For our state, you could be off 4 for systolic and 4 for diastolic.

Do NOT add or subtract from whatever you hear. Listen carefully for a solid beat, not a whisper, but a beat.

You can get a fairly inexpensive cuff for around $12. to practice with.

I actually bought a cuff and have been practicing lol. But what state do you live in?

[Missingyou, CNA]

I actually bought a cuff and have been practicing lol. But what state do you live in?

I live in Rhode Island.

[mvm2]

hey Tbreannax3 wondered how your test went today. Hope it went well

[SeattleJess]

Your state Dep.t of Health (or whatever agency certifies you) should have written material that explains exactly what steps you need to perform to pass the CNA test. In Washington, this pamphlet is available online at http://www.asisvcs.com/publications/pdf/074800.pdf.

Washington state gives a +/- 8 mmHg margin of error for this skill. So if actual BP is 120/60, you pass with any systolic value from 128-112 and any diastolic value from 68-52. Pretty darn generous, IMO! So don't stress about BP. It was my weakest skill, the one I feared most... and the one I drew on my exam. (I passed.) So again, don't stress.

The tip about watching for the needle jump in addition to the Korotkoff sounds is excellent. Never lie about your observations when testing or doing your job is my take on the matter.

Good luck!