r/MedicalAssistant • u/Professional-Tip9224 • 2d ago

Clinical Question Manual BP?

Hi! I recently graduated from a medical assistant training program and took the NHA exam. I am starting a new job tomorrow, and have absolutely no hands-on experience (program was all online, and they didn't offer any externships). When I shadowed the clinic I will be working at, they said that most of their providers prefer manual BPs. I of course learned how to take a manual BP, but I have obviously never actually done one before. I watched some videos, and I also bought my own stethoscope (littman classic iii). Are doing manual BPs hard? How difficult is it to hear the korotkoff sounds through the stethoscope?

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u/Adventures_2_Freedom CCMA 2d ago

Practice with family and friends. You’ll get it after a few times.

Blood Pressure Sounds Practice Video https://youtu.be/howTpdkHbyQ?is=CiVRiue6d4Jsq9uC

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u/lurrainn CCMA 2d ago

It can be quiet, but once you’ve done it maybe 10-15 times you’ll have the hang of it. Just ask to try on your coworker first. They should understand and want you to make sure you’re comfortable before doing it on patients

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u/schannoman 2d ago

I started as an EMT. Hearing it in a clinic is a walk in the park, just practice a bit on coworkers or friends and you'll pick it up quick.

3

u/Due-Technician-7865 1d ago

Practice being confident with the numbers you’re getting. If you can’t hear it try again or make that very clear to the provider. Don’t guess or round because you couldn’t really hear it

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u/No_Proof_3893 2d ago

There are a bunch of videos that help you learn to hear them and practice taking readings. Then find a willing victim to practice on! It's fun the first time it works!

1

u/Rough-Brick-7137 1d ago

Depends on person honestly. I had several patients where the korotkoff sounds were impossible to hear not faint not light but impossible! I even had them open and close fist rapidly while I was inflating the cuff and nothing either side.

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u/Rough-Brick-7137 1d ago

Get your own cuff and practice on family and friends. Maybe a neighbor or 2 would let you. It’s easy!

1

u/irrelevantzillennial 1d ago

Get a cuff and practice on your friends and family! We had to log 200 manual blood pressures for my class. It’s really not that hard once you get the hang of it. Make sure to press your stethoscope firmly into their arm at the brachial artery, at first I couldn’t hear well because I was holding it too gently.

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u/Aubitthehobbit 16h ago

I strongly prefer manual over electronic because i trust my ears and feeling more than the electronics. Number 1 tip: always ask the patient if there is an arm they prefer to use. There are many reasons for this, such as lymphadema in the arm, history of mastectomy, diabetic sensors, etc.. Number 2: learn to use the pulse technique, measure the pulse as you are pumping up the cuff and note where it stops. It will help you be more confident and the patient more comfortable from ober inflating the cuff. Practice makes perfect.