Final answer:
This question illustrates how blood pressure readings can vary based on measurement methods and the position of the body. Factors like the type of cuff used and the subject's posture during measurement can lead to differences in readings, which are significant for diagnosing conditions like hypertension.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question refers to an important concept in health and medicine, specifically concerning the measurement of blood pressure. Blood pressure is typically recorded as systolic/diastolic, and readings can be affected by factors such as the type of blood pressure cuff used, the person's state of mind, body positioning, etc. The question seems to be confused by the fact that different cuffs gave different readings, which might indicate that the results are inconsistent, but not necessarily incorrect. It should be noted that blood pressure can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the positioning of the cuff. For example, raising an arm above the shoulder or placing the cuff on the upper leg with the person standing can affect the pressure reading due to the weight of the fluid (blood) in relation to gravity. Also, mercury manometers are preferred over water manometers for measuring blood pressure due to their ability to measure larger pressures and because the density of mercury makes readings more manageable.