Basic Nursing SkillsQuestion 72 of 200

Correct technique for manual blood pressure measurement includes:

a.Resident seated quietly for 5 minutes, arm supported at heart level, cuff bladder covering 80% of arm circumference, feet flat on floor, no talking during measurement
b.Arm hanging at side, talking allowed
c.Cuff over a sweater
d.Standing during measurement is preferred

Explanation

AHA technique: 5-minute quiet rest, back supported, feet flat (not crossed), arm bare and supported at heart level, appropriate cuff size (bladder length 80% of arm circumference, width 40%), and no talking during measurement. Cuff placed over clothing (c), unsupported arm hanging at the side (b), and routine standing measurement (d) all introduce systematic error. Wrong technique can over- or under-estimate BP by 10-20 mmHg, leading to misdiagnosis, missed hypertension, or unnecessary treatment.

Law Reference: AHA blood pressure measurement technique

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