Where should the blood pressure cuff be placed during measurement?

• A. On the upper arm, located around the bicep
• B. Over the brachial artery just below the antecubital fossa
• C. Around the forearm
• D. Around the thigh

Answer: (B)

Placing the cuff on the upper arm with the bladder centered over the brachial artery just below the bend of the elbow ensures the cuff compresses the main artery where it runs close to the skin. This alignment lets the cuff accurately occlude and then release pressure to measure the true systolic and diastolic values. Putting the cuff on the forearm, around the thigh, or around the upper arm near the biceps won’t align with the brachial artery or provide the proper site for uniform arterial compression, leading to unreliable readings. For accuracy, position the cuff on the bare upper arm, with the lower edge about a finger-width (roughly 1 inch) above the elbow bend, and keep the arm at heart level.