A nurse measures a patient's blood pressure using a cuff that is too small for the arm. How is the reading most likely affected?
Correct answer: B. It is falsely higher than the true pressure
- A. It is falsely lower than the true pressure
- B. It is falsely higher than the true pressure
- C. It causes an inaccurate pulse pressure only
- D. It has no meaningful effect on the reading
Explanation
A cuff that is too small requires greater pressure to compress the artery, producing a falsely high blood pressure reading. The cuff bladder should cover about 80% of the arm circumference.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? support@testustad.com
About Cardiovascular Nursing
Covers assessment and nursing care for hypertension, coronary artery disease, angina, myocardial infarction, heart failure, valvular disease and dysrhythmias. It includes interpreting vital signs and ECG findings, managing chest pain, monitoring cardiac medicines, recognizing complications and distinguishing left-sided from right-sided heart failure.
Practise Cardiovascular Nursing
50 free Cardiovascular Nursing MCQs from Medical Surgical 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 Medical Surgical Nursing questions like this
Medical Surgical Nursing is on 8 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 Cardiovascular Nursing questions
A patient taking warfarin for atrial fibrillation has bleeding from the gums and dark, tarry stools. Which action should the nurse take first?
A patient with acute pulmonary oedema from heart failure is receiving oxygen and intravenous furosemide. Which position best supports breathing while treatment begins?
A patient with mitral stenosis develops increasing fatigue, exertional breathlessness and a new irregular pulse. Which complication should the nurse suspect?
A patient with coronary artery disease is prescribed atorvastatin. Which laboratory test is most important for monitoring a possible serious adverse effect?
A patient with acute myocardial infarction suddenly develops a new harsh systolic murmur and worsening breathlessness. Which complication should the nurse suspect?
A patient with heart failure is prescribed spironolactone. Which instruction is most appropriate?