A nurse is required to document an adult client's blood pressure. Which nursing intervention will help ensure that the systolic reading is not underestimated?
A) Assist the client to a comfortable position before assessing the pressure.
B) Center the cuff's bladder above the site where the brachial pulse is palpated.
C) Check that the aneroid manometer is vertical and at eye level.
D) Inflate the cuff to a pressure 30 mm Hg above the point where the pulse disappears.
D
Feedback:
Inflating the cuff to a pressure 30 mm Hg above the point where the pulse has disappeared, after closing the screw clamp on the bulb, helps ensure that the systolic reading is not underestimated. Assisting the client to a comfortable position helps to foster cooperation. Centering the cuff's bladder approximately 1 inch above the site where the brachial pulse has been palpated helps ensure even cuff inflation over the brachial artery. A mercury manometer needs to be at eye level because improper height can alter perception of reading. However, this does not apply to an aneroid manometer.
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