A blood pressure cuff is too narrow for the patient’s upper arm. How is the reading most likely affected?
Correct answer: C. Both pressures read falsely high
- A. The systolic pressure reads falsely low
- B. The diastolic pressure reads falsely low
- C. Both pressures read falsely high
- D. The pulse rate reads falsely high
Explanation
A cuff that is too small or narrow requires greater pressure to compress the artery, producing a falsely high blood pressure reading. A cuff that is too large may produce a falsely low reading.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? support@testustad.com
About Vital Signs and Monitoring
Vital signs include temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and pain assessment. Coverage includes correct measurement sites and techniques, normal adult ranges, factors that alter readings, trends in patient observations, and the difference between an abnormal finding that needs reassessment and one requiring immediate reporting.
Practise Vital Signs and Monitoring
50 free Vital Signs and Monitoring MCQs from Fundamentals of Nursing, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Fundamentals of Nursing questions like this
Fundamentals of Nursing is on 9 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
More Vital Signs and Monitoring questions
Which resting pulse rate is within the expected range for a healthy adult?
A patient’s pulse oximeter displays 89%, but the patient’s fingers are cold and the waveform is weak. What should the nurse do first?
A postoperative patient reports new crushing chest pain rated 7 out of 10. The blood pressure is 88/54 mmHg, pulse 124 beats per minute, and skin is cool and clammy. Which finding requires immediate reporting?
A patient’s radial pulse feels irregular. Which method should the nurse use to obtain the most reliable rate?
A patient’s temperature is 38.2°C, but the patient is alert, breathing comfortably and has no other new symptoms. What should the nurse do first?
A patient has a weak peripheral pulse and cool fingers after blood loss. Which site is most appropriate for assessing the pulse rate?