Which statement about cuff size is true?

Which statement about cuff size is true?

• A. The cuff size does not affect accuracy.
• B. A cuff too small will overestimate readings only in extreme cases.
• C. A cuff too large will always overestimate.
• D. Using the proper cuff size yields accurate readings.

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that cuff size directly affects how accurately blood pressure is measured. The cuff’s bladder must be wide and long enough to properly occlude the brachial artery without exaggerating or underestimating the pressure. When the cuff is sized correctly for the arm, the cuff pressure reflects true arterial pressure, giving an accurate reading. If the cuff is too small, it can overestimate blood pressure because the artery is compressed with a smaller area, requiring more pressure to occlude it. If the cuff is too large, it can underestimate blood pressure because the larger bladder distributes pressure less effectively, so the artery is occluded at a lower external pressure than the true arterial pressure. Using a properly sized cuff avoids these distortions and yields an accurate reading. That’s why the statement about using the proper cuff size yielding accurate readings is the best choice.

The main idea is that cuff size directly affects how accurately blood pressure is measured. The cuff’s bladder must be wide and long enough to properly occlude the brachial artery without exaggerating or underestimating the pressure. When the cuff is sized correctly for the arm, the cuff pressure reflects true arterial pressure, giving an accurate reading.

If the cuff is too small, it can overestimate blood pressure because the artery is compressed with a smaller area, requiring more pressure to occlude it. If the cuff is too large, it can underestimate blood pressure because the larger bladder distributes pressure less effectively, so the artery is occluded at a lower external pressure than the true arterial pressure. Using a properly sized cuff avoids these distortions and yields an accurate reading.

That’s why the statement about using the proper cuff size yielding accurate readings is the best choice.