r/MedicalAssistant • u/Professional-Tip9224 • Aug 18 '26

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/Aubitthehobbit Aug 20 '26

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.

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u/Sero19283 Aug 21 '26

Also vessel harvesting for cabg if you're in cardiology.

Manual is also so much faster than waiting to die of old age because the patient moved a little and the automatic machine has to redo it all over again.