When measuring a patient's blood pressure, where should the cuff be applied?

The cuff should be applied to the upper arm above the brachial artery for accurate blood pressure measurement. This location is ideal because the brachial artery is typically located in this area, allowing the cuff to compress the artery properly and reflect the blood pressure in the systemic circulation. Proper placement ensures that the reading obtained is representative of the individual’s cardiovascular status.

Using the upper arm also minimizes the potential for interference from clothing or other barriers that could affect the measurement accuracy. If the cuff were applied over clothing or on the lower arm or forearm, it could lead to incorrect readings due to the additional thickness or distance from the heart, which might not accurately reflect the true blood pressure. Therefore, positioning the cuff on the upper arm is critical for reliable and valid measurements.