What is the best practice for obtaining an accurate blood pressure reading?

Having the patient seated with the arm at heart level is the best practice for obtaining an accurate blood pressure reading. This position ensures that the blood pressure measurement reflects the true systemic arterial pressure, as it is measured at the same level as the heart. When the arm is at heart level, the effects of gravity on the pressure readings are minimized, providing a more accurate representation of blood pressure.

Additionally, a seated position helps relax the patient, reducing potential variability in readings caused by anxiety or muscle tension. Proper positioning—feet flat on the floor, back supported, and arm supported at heart level—contributes to consistency and reliability in blood pressure assessments.

In contrast, other options like having the patient standing or lying down can introduce variations that affect the readings. Measuring in a standing position may lead to inaccuracies due to postural changes and blood pooling, while lying down may not reflect the patient's usual blood pressure during daily activities. Using the forearm for measurement may also lead to inaccuracies as it can easily introduce variability due to its position relative to the heart.