Which patient position is usually most suitable for obtaining a reliable adult blood pressure reading?
Correct answer: B. Sitting with feet supported and arm at heart level
- A. Standing with the arm unsupported
- B. Sitting with feet supported and arm at heart level
- C. Cross-legged with the arm below the heart
- D. Supine with the arm hanging beside the body
Explanation
A supported back, uncrossed feet, and an arm supported at heart level help reduce measurement error. An unsupported arm or a position below heart level can produce a falsely high reading, while crossed legs can also affect the result.
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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.
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