Question

An EKG technician is preparing to obtain a patient's blood pressure reading. The patient reports jogging to the facility, "to get some exercise." Which of the following actions should the technician take?

a) Proceed with the blood pressure measurement as usual.
b) Allow the patient to rest for 5 minutes before measuring blood pressure.
c) Measure the blood pressure immediately while the patient is still warm.
d) Ask the patient to perform additional physical activity before measuring blood pressure

Answer 1

An EKG technician should allow a patient who has just exercised to rest for 5 minutes before taking their blood pressure to ensure an accurate reading.

Step-by-step explanation:

When an EKG technician is preparing to obtain a patient's blood pressure reading and the patient has been physically active just prior, the appropriate action is b) Allow the patient to rest for 5 minutes before measuring blood pressure. Exercise increases heart rate and blood pressure temporarily, and it is vital to wait until these measures return to the patient's baseline to ensure an accurate reading. Proceeding with the blood pressure measurement without allowing for this rest period could result in a falsely elevated reading, which is not reflective of the patient's true resting blood pressure levels.