Measuring blood pressure and pulse
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Place the cuff so that there is enough room to
insert your index and middle fingers between
the skin and the cuff's material.
5.3
Correct posture
After positioning the cuff, assume the correct posture
to take the measurements (Fig. 8).
Fig. 8: Correct posture
1)
Sit down comfortably on a chair to measure your
blood pressure.
2)
Place your elbow on a table or a solid surface.
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3)
Hold your arm so that the cuff is at the same
height as your heart.
4)
Relax your arm and turn the palm of your hand to
face upwards.
5)
Place your feet flat on the floor and leave your
legs uncrossed.
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The reading can be affected by the position of
the cuff, the patient's correct posture and
position, physical exertion or the patient's
mental state.