Question

What action by a nurse when taking blood pressure can result in an inaccurately low reading?

a) Using a properly sized cuff
b) Placing the cuff above the elbow
c) Deflating the cuff too quickly
d) Supporting the arm at heart level

Answer 1

Deflating the cuff too quickly can result in an inaccurately low blood pressure reading.

Step-by-step explanation:

The action by a nurse that can result in an inaccurately low blood pressure reading is c) Deflating the cuff too quickly.

When the cuff is deflated too quickly, it may cause an artificially low reading because the nurse may not get an accurate measure of the systolic and diastolic pressures. The cuff should be deflated slowly to accurately assess the blood pressure levels.

Using a properly sized cuff, placing the cuff above the elbow, and supporting the arm at heart level are all important steps that help ensure accurate blood pressure readings.