Question

A woman in labor suffers from preeclampsia. Nurses in the labor and delivery unit need to assess her blood pressure. The nurse explains to the patient that:

A) Using a cuff that is too narrow will give a reading that is inaccurate and high.
B) Deflating the cuff too quickly will make the reading inaccurate and high.
C) Deflating the cuff 5 mm Hg per second will make the reading inaccurate and high.
D) Waiting 3 minutes before repeating the blood pressure measurement will result in a false-high blood pressure measurement.

Answer 1

The correct answer is A, as using a too narrow cuff will result in an inaccurately high blood pressure reading. Proper technique is essential for accurate results, especially in a woman in labor with preeclampsia.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a woman in labor suffers from preeclampsia, careful monitoring of her blood pressure is essential. The correct answer to the question is: A) Using a cuff that is too narrow will give a reading that is inaccurate and high. When measuring blood pressure, it's important to use a properly sized cuff. A cuff that's too narrow can constrict the arm excessively, leading to a higher-than-actual blood pressure reading. The nurses should deflate the cuff at a standard rate of about 2-3 mm Hg per heartbeat, not per second, and waiting a prudent period before repeating the measurement ensures the vessel walls return to their resting state, preventing a false high reading.