The measurement value is questionable
Cause
Deflates quickly
Incorrect cuff size used.
Cuff wrapped over thick clothing.
Patient not seated properly.
Patient ate, drank, or exerted
themselves recently.
Simultaneously perform measurement with a
stethoscope. Place the stethoscope and listen while
viewing the pressure display of the manometer.
Blood pressure may vary widely due to physiological effects.
The causes below are possible.
• Emotional excitement or agitation
• Pain due to cuff wrapping
• White coat hypertension
• Cuff size or wrapping method not correct
• Cuff wrapping position on upper arm not at the same height as the
heart
• Patient's blood pressure not stable due to pulsus alternans,
respiratory changes, or other reason
28
Solution
Check for a loose cuff connection.
Measure circumference of patient's
arm and ensure correct sized cuff
is used.
Ensure cuff is applied to a bare
arm, or very thin clothing.
Ensure patient is seated, feet flat
on the floor, cuff at heart level.
Ensure before measurement
taken, patient has not had food,
caffeinated or alcohol beverages,
or exerted/exercised in the last
30 minutes.
Stethoscope