Which BP measurement practice is appropriate?

• A. A cuff width of 40% of the circumference of the arm.
• B. A hypertensive crisis when BP greater than 150/90.
• C. A BP of 128/86 mm Hg has Stage I hypertension.
• D. A BP of 162/102 mm Hg has Stage II hypertension.

Answer: (A)

Using an appropriately sized cuff is essential for accurate blood pressure measurement. The cuff width should be about 40% of the arm circumference. This sizing helps the cuff compress the artery properly so the reading reflects the true pressure. If the cuff is too narrow, readings tend to be falsely high; if it’s too wide, readings can be falsely low. The other options describe BP level thresholds rather than how to measure, so they don’t address measurement technique. For reference, a hypertensive crisis is typically 180/120 mm Hg or higher (with symptoms), 128/86 mm Hg is not considered hypertension by many guidelines, and 162/102 mm Hg would be Stage II under older classifications. The key point here is the cuff width of 40% of the arm circumference.