Final answer:
Using a blood pressure cuff that is too small can result in overestimating blood pressure, which can mislead the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions involving blood pressure. It is crucial to use a cuff properly sized for the patient's arm for accurate readings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The risk of using a blood pressure cuff that is too small can lead to a misreading of blood pressure levels, typically overestimating the blood pressure. A cuff that's too small requires more pressure to compress the artery, which can result in a higher blood pressure reading. This can be misleading for diagnosing and managing hypertension or other health issues.
Therefore, the correct size cuff must be used for the individual’s arm to avoid inaccurate measurements, which could potentially lead to improper treatment. Blood pressure is measured with a sphygmomanometer and proper technique involves applying the cuff to the upper arm at the level of the heart to ensure accurate pressure readings relative to the central cardiovascular system.
For accurate blood pressure measurements, using a cuff that is properly sized for the patient's arm circumference is vital. Smaller cuffs can falsely elevate the readings which may misguide a clinical diagnosis leading to unnecessary interventions. Conversely, cuffs that are too big may yield lower than actual pressure readings.