Table 1.

Observed Blood Pressure (BP) Measurement Errors in 54 Unique Patient Encounters in 6 Clinics.

Both feet not planted firmly on floor (not crossed, dangling, etc.) Patient’s arm was not elevated with palm facing up during BP reading Patient did not rest quietly for at least 5 minutes before BP measurement Patient did not sit upright with back supported Patient talked during BP reading Cuff was not placed directly on skin when taking BP Only obtaining 1 reading, even if the initial reading was ⩾140/90 mm Hg Patient was moving during BP reading Medical assistant used the incorrect cuff size on patient as deemed by cuff markers