Measuring blood pressure and pulse
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Correct posture
After positioning the blood pressure cuff, assume the correct posture to take the measurements (Fig. 9).
Fig. 9: 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.
3.
Lean back in your chair.
4.
Hold your arm so that the blood pressure cuff is at the
same height as your heart.
5.
Relax your arm and turn the palm of your hand to face
upwards.
6.
Place your feet flat on the floor and leave your legs
uncrossed.
Note
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.
