Question

When taking blood pressure, how should the patient's arm be positioned?

A.) at heart level, supported, with palm facing up
B.) across the body with the patients hand facing down
C.) out to the side, not touching any surface
D.) down along the side of the body with the wrist supported by the patients lap

Answer 1

The patient's arm should be positioned at heart level, supported, with the palm facing up during blood pressure measurement to ensure accuracy and offset gravitational effects on the blood column.

Step-by-step explanation:

When taking blood pressure, the correct position for the patient's arm is at heart level, supported, with the palm facing up. This position ensures that the readings are comparable to the pressure in the heart's arteries. Having the arm at the same level as the heart helps prevent the effects of gravity on the blood column that might alter the measurement. The blood pressure cuff should be attached to a measuring device, such as a mercury-filled manometer, and wrapped tightly around the patient's upper arm. It is important for the cuff to be at the level of the heart whether the patient is sitting, standing, or lying down to get an accurate reading of the blood flow and corresponding pressures.