Clinical Procedures
Which of the following is the correct technique for measuring a patient's blood pressure?
- A. Place the cuff 2 inches above the antecubital space and inflate to 30 mmHg above the point where the radial pulse disappears
- B. Place the cuff 1 inch above the antecubital space and inflate to 30 mmHg above the point where the radial pulse disappears
- C. Place the cuff directly over the antecubital space and inflate to 200 mmHg
- D. Place the cuff 3 inches above the antecubital space and inflate until no sound is heard
Answer: B. The blood pressure cuff (sphygmomanometer) should be placed 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the antecubital space (the inner elbow). Inflate the cuff to 30 mmHg above the point where the radial pulse disappears, then slowly release and listen for Korotkoff sounds. The first sound heard is systolic pressure; the point where sounds disappear is diastolic pressure.