To avoid an error while measuring blood pressure, the nurse should?

Appeared in: BCCL kharkhanda Staff Nurse - 2015

Explanation

The correct procedure to prevent parallax error is to read the sphygmomanometer gauge at eye level.
Parallax error occurs when the observer's eye is not level with the measuring scale, causing the reading to appear different from its true value.
Viewing the gauge from above can lead to a falsely low reading, while viewing from below can cause a falsely high reading.
This principle applies to both aneroid (dial) and mercury manometers to ensure the most accurate measurement is recorded.

Option A: Using a cuff that is too narrow for the patient's arm circumference will constrict the artery improperly, leading to a falsely high blood pressure reading.
Option B: While standing at a reasonable distance (e.g., within 3 feet) is necessary to see the gauge clearly, mere proximity does not guarantee accuracy. The critical factor is the viewing angle, not the distance.
Option C: The patient's arm should be supported at the level of the heart. Elevating the arm on a pillow may position it above heart level, which would cause a falsely low blood pressure reading.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Proper technique for blood pressure measurement helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Accurate blood pressure measurement is critical for diagnosing hypertension, assessing cardiovascular risk, and titrating medications.
Inaccurate readings can lead to under-treatment of hypertension (risking organ damage) or over-treatment (risking hypotension and related complications).
A nurse must always verify the appropriateness of automated BP readings with a manual check if the reading is unexpected or the patient's condition changes.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is about preventing errors during a common nursing procedure: blood pressure measurement.
Recall the standardized steps for accurate BP measurement. Think about the key variables: patient positioning, cuff size, and equipment use.
Evaluate each option against these standard procedures.
Option A (narrow cuff): Recall that cuff size is critical. A narrow cuff gives a false high reading.
Option C (elevate arm): Recall that arm position is critical. The arm must be at heart level. Elevation can lead to a false low reading.
Option B (stand close): This is about general visibility, not a specific type of measurement error.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QoFgJQkHmQ__ybYhGuo3rQ

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 3 p. 28-30

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 145-147

Practise the full BCCL kharkhanda Staff Nurse - 2015

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.