Question on b/p readings and the proper way of taking it?!


Question: Question on b/p readings and the proper way of taking it.?
Can you get an accurate reading on b/p over a thick robe sleeve on one's arm.? Our relative, on hospice, always has a high reading and lately it's wonderful and we're wondering if it's due to the way it's being taken. She's under hospice and in kidney failure, has been taken off many b/p meds but still takes some and also some low grade lasix. Should we be concerned at the method or not worry about it due to the circumstances.? thanksHealth Question & Answer


Answers:
The bare arm is best. A robe might cause the cuff to fit improperly, which would most likely provide a falsely high reading. It won't be off by much, so given the circumstances, it really doesn't matter. I wouldn't be too worried about the readings. It's kind of irrelevant since your relative is in hospice. If they see something alarming (i.e. her BP goes up to 200/102 or something, they will probably retake it after removing the robe.
And remember, the purpose of hospice is to provide comfort. Your relative is very sick. If you were very sick, would you like someone taking your robe off all the time to take your BP.? Probably not. It's a nuisance, possibly even painful for the patient, and it really doesn't matter that much in a hospice situation.Health Question & Answer

I have a problem with my kidneys and have been advised to buy and regularly use a blood pressure monitor. In the instructions it advises to not even cross your legs as this can affect the readings so putting the cuff over the sleeve of a robe won't work no. It needs to be over the top of the arm, just above the elbow with the valve pointing the right way at the same level as your heart for an accurate reading. Its best to disregard the first few readings anyway till it gets used to your blood pressure and can decide an accurate reading.

However...considering the circumstances how and when the bp reading is taking may be irrelevant, best concentrate on whats important here. Good luck.Health Question & Answer



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