If the cuff is too narrow during BP measurement, how will the reading typically appear?

If the cuff is too narrow during BP measurement, how will the reading typically appear?

• A. Values will be too high
• B. Values will be too low
• C. Values will be unchanged
• D. Values will be random

Answer: (A)

When the cuff is too narrow for the arm, the cuff-to-arm ratio is too high, so more pressure is needed to compress the artery. That higher pressure shows up on the gauge as a higher reading, making both systolic and diastolic numbers appear elevated. In practice, narrow cuffs tend to overestimate blood pressure, especially systolic pressure. To avoid this, use a cuff width about 40% of the arm’s circumference and proper bladder length. If the cuff were too wide, readings would tend to be lower, so the effect described here correctly leads to readings that are too high.

When the cuff is too narrow for the arm, the cuff-to-arm ratio is too high, so more pressure is needed to compress the artery. That higher pressure shows up on the gauge as a higher reading, making both systolic and diastolic numbers appear elevated. In practice, narrow cuffs tend to overestimate blood pressure, especially systolic pressure. To avoid this, use a cuff width about 40% of the arm’s circumference and proper bladder length. If the cuff were too wide, readings would tend to be lower, so the effect described here correctly leads to readings that are too high.