Where should the blood pressure cuff be placed for accurate measurement?

• A. Over the brachial artery with the lower border 2.5 cm above the crease
• B. Over the radial artery with the lower border at the elbow crease
• C. Under the upper arm near the shoulder
• D. Around the wrist for accuracy

Answer: (A)

Accurate blood pressure measurement relies on compressing the brachial artery with the cuff, so the bladder sits over that artery in the upper arm. The lower edge should be about 2.5 cm (roughly one inch) above the elbow crease, allowing the cuff to encircle the arm properly and the artery to be compressed beneath the cuff during measurements.

Placing the cuff over the radial artery, under the upper arm near the shoulder, or around the wrist fails to compress the brachial artery reliably and yields inaccurate readings. Resting the cuff at heart level and on bare skin (or with thin clothing) ensures consistent tension and proper transmission of pressure.