While positioning the patient for a routine blood pressure check, the patient asks the nurse why a support was placed under the arm before the BP cuff was applied. Which response by the nurse is most accurate?

Question

a. "This method prevents any problems in obtaining an accurate reading.".
b. "This method helps the arm relax so the reading will be correct.".
c. "I want you to be as comfortable as possi-ble during this time.".
d. "Just sit back and relax and let me get this reading right now.".

Answer 1

B
Supporting the arm ensures the muscles are relaxed, improving the likelihood for an accurate reading. Comfort is important but not the primary reason for providing support. Many variables can cause an inaccurate reading, including the wrong cuff size or improper placement of the ste-thoscope. Telling the patient to just "sit back and relax" ignores the patient's question and is not an appropriate response.