Final answer:
Squeezing an automated blood pressure cuff can lead to a false high blood pressure reading due to improper deflation, which interferes with accurate measurements.
Step-by-step explanation:
Squeezing an automated blood pressure cuff to expedite deflation can result in a false high blood pressure reading. The proper technique involves placing the inflatable cuff on the upper arm at the same level as the heart and then inflating it until blood flow is blocked. As the cuff deflates, measurements are taken for the maximum (systolic) and minimum (diastolic) pressures. Interfering with the cuff's natural deflation by squeezing it can cause the measurements to be artificially high because the intended gradual decrease in pressure allows for accurate detection of arterial blood flow. Thus, allowing the cuff to deflate naturally is essential for obtaining accurate blood pressure readings.