Blood Pressure Problems

[usapride2004]

I don't palpate the artery anymore. I have a decent idea where the scope needs to be, so I just give it a go. If I have a problem hearing it, then I'll give it a feel. As for how high to pump the cuff... I usually go to about 200 mmHg, give or take. Why? Psychologically pleasing number, lol.

[Ecnalubma08]

you can ask what the pts normal range is...this will give you an idea as to how much to inflate the cuff.

Also to help with reading...the needle will "tick" just about where you're going to hear it!

Just keep doing what you're doing already...practice...one DOES get used to it...pretty soon you'll be able to do it while "listening" to a gabby ol' pt...I've had plenty of those...they just don't seem to get that you're listening to something with that stethoscope thingy...ha!

~Ec

[logos]

The fast way to find it: place your thumb on the pts olecranon (elboe). Wrap your hand around the medial aspect of the arm. The place where the tips of your fingers come down is usually right on the brachial a.

You'll find it generally is located more laterally than you expect.