While measuring a patient's blood pressure, the nurse uses the proper technique to obtain an accurate reading. Which of these situations will result in a falsely high blood pressure reading? Select all that apply
a. The person supports his or her own arm during the blood pressure reading.
b. The blood pressure cuff is too narrow for the extremity.
c. The arm is held above level of the heart.
d. The cuff is loosely wrapped around the arm.
e. The person is sitting with his or her legs crossed.
f.
The nurse does not inflate the cuff high enough.
ANS: A, B, D, E
Several factors can result in blood pressure readings that are too high or too low. Having the patient's arm held above the level of the heart is one part of the correct technique.
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