How should the blood pressure cuff cover the arm of an adult patient?

The blood pressure cuff should encircle 80% to 100% of the arm because this range ensures that the cuff can effectively compress the brachial artery, which is necessary for accurately measuring blood pressure. A cuff that covers this percentage of the arm allows for adequate pressure application, enabling reliable readings while minimizing the risk of inaccuracies that can arise from a cuff that is either too small or too loose.

When the cuff encircles less than 80% of the arm, it may not provide enough compression to obtain valid pressure measurements. Similarly, if the cuff covers more than 100% of the arm, while theoretically it seems beneficial, it could lead to uneven pressure and inaccurate results. Therefore, maintaining this 80% to 100% coverage is crucial for ensuring consistent and accurate blood pressure readings in adult patients. This is particularly important in clinical settings where precise measurements are critical for diagnosing and monitoring hypertension.