During blood pressure measurement, where should the cuff be placed?

During blood pressure measurement, where should the cuff be placed?

• A. Over clothing
• B. Directly on the skin at the upper arm with arm supported at heart level
• C. Around the wrist
• D. On the thigh

Answer: (B)

Placing the cuff directly on bare skin around the upper arm with the arm supported at heart level ensures the cuff sits over the brachial artery and that the reading isn’t distorted by clothing or arm position. A snug, even fit with the cuff centered over the artery gives the most accurate and reliable measurement. Wearing clothing under the cuff can alter the transmission of pressure and lead to an incorrect reading, so the cuff should not be placed over clothing. The wrist or thigh locations require different techniques and do not reflect the same arterial pressures as the upper-arm measurement, so they are not standard for routine BP assessment. Position the cuff about an inch above the elbow crease, with the arm relaxed and the palm facing up.

Placing the cuff directly on bare skin around the upper arm with the arm supported at heart level ensures the cuff sits over the brachial artery and that the reading isn’t distorted by clothing or arm position. A snug, even fit with the cuff centered over the artery gives the most accurate and reliable measurement. Wearing clothing under the cuff can alter the transmission of pressure and lead to an incorrect reading, so the cuff should not be placed over clothing. The wrist or thigh locations require different techniques and do not reflect the same arterial pressures as the upper-arm measurement, so they are not standard for routine BP assessment. Position the cuff about an inch above the elbow crease, with the arm relaxed and the palm facing up.