ACE Health Coach Certification Practice Test

Using a standard-sized blood pressure cuff on an obese client likely results in what kind of reading?

1. A blood pressure reading with amplified Korotkoff sounds

2. A blood pressure reading void of Korotkoff sounds

3. A falsely elevated blood pressure reading

4. A falsely low blood pressure reading

The correct answer is: A falsely elevated blood pressure reading

Using a standard-sized blood pressure cuff on an obese client typically results in a falsely elevated blood pressure reading. This occurs because the cuff may not adequately encompass the larger arm size of an obese individual. When the cuff is too small relative to the client’s arm, the pressure needed to occlude the brachial artery becomes disproportionately higher, leading to a reading that is not an accurate reflection of the client's true blood pressure. The important considerations here include that blood pressure cuffs are designed to provide accurate measurements when they fit the arm properly. An incorrect cuff size alters the pressure transmission to the artery, resulting in misleading readings. For accuracy, it is essential to use a cuff that fits properly to ensure that the readings reflect the individual's actual blood pressure. This understanding emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate equipment and techniques when assessing blood pressure to avoid diagnosing hypertension incorrectly or overlooking potential cardiovascular issues in obese individuals.