What is the correct way to assess blood pressure?

The assessment of blood pressure should be conducted in a manner that ensures accurate readings. Positioning the client properly is crucial; the recommended method is to have the client seated comfortably with their feet flat on the ground and their arm supported at heart level. This positioning minimizes the impact of gravity on blood flow and provides a stable platform for the cuff, ensuring a reliable measurement.

In this seated position, it is also important that the client remains relaxed, as emotional stress can significantly affect blood pressure readings. Supporting the arm helps to prevent muscle tension, which can lead to inaccuracies.

Other approaches, such as measuring blood pressure in a standing position with a wrist cuff, do not provide a standardized measurement and can introduce errors, as various body positions can alter blood flow and pressure readings. Measuring immediately after exercise without allowing for recovery time can result in elevated readings that do not reflect the client’s resting blood pressure. Additionally, using a method that lacks proper support or positioning would not give an accurate assessment of the client’s baseline blood pressure.