Types of Errors in Blood Pressure Reading

Question 1

Equipment Error 1

Answer 1

Velcro on the cuff may be worn and does not hold.

Question 2

Equipment Error 2

Answer 2

Air is leaking through the cuff. Improper size.

Question 3

Equipment Error 3

Answer 3

Sphygmomanometer is not properly calibrated.

Question 4

Procedural Error 1

Answer 4

Patient’s arm is not uncovered, and reading is obtained through clothing.

Question 5

Procedural Error 2

Answer 5

Cuff is improperly applied (too loose or too small).

Question 6

Procedural Error 3

Answer 6

Medical assistant is too far away from manometer to accurately read gauge.

Question 7

Patient-Related Error 1

Answer 7

Patient is nervous or anxious, resulting in a false high reading (such as “white coat syndrome”).

Question 8

Patient-Related Error 2

Answer 8

Patient’s arm is too large for accurate reading with available equipment.

Question 9

Patient-Related Error 3

Answer 9

Inaccurate reading because of patient’s anxiety. Feet no on ground.