Question

the nurse observes an unlicensed assistive personnel (uap) checking a clients blood pressure with a cuff that is too small, but the blood pressure reading obtained is within the clients usual range. which action is most important for the nurse to implement? a have the unit educator review this procedure with the uaps. b teach the uap the correct technique for assessing blood pressure. c reassess the clients blood pressure using a larger cuff. d tell the uap to use a larger cuff at the next scheduled assessment.

Explanation:

A too-small blood pressure cuff typically yields falsely high readings, so even if the result is in the client's usual range, the measurement is unreliable. The priority is to obtain an accurate blood pressure for the client's care first, then address the UAP's technique. Option A is delayed, B focuses on teaching before confirming the client's actual BP, D delays correcting the measurement. Reassessing with the correct cuff ensures the client's vital sign data is accurate.

Answer:

C Reassess the client's blood pressure using a larger cuff.