During blood pressure auscultation, which technique is correct?

• A. Have the client lie down with the arm extended.
• B. Use a cuff width that is 80% of the length of the client's upper arm.
• C. Quickly inflate the cuff to 10% above the client's expected blood pressure.
• D. Place the bell of the stethoscope over the brachial artery.

Answer: (D)

Accurate blood pressure auscultation hinges on hearing the Korotkoff sounds from a reliable arterial site, which is accomplished by placing the stethoscope directly over the brachial artery so you can clearly listen as the cuff deflates. This placement allows you to detect the first sound (systolic) and the point where sounds disappear (diastolic) with the cuff properly inflated and then slowly released. The others fall short: the arm should be supported at heart level rather than just “lying down” with the arm extended; cuff width should be about 40% of the arm circumference (not 80% of arm length); and inflation is typically 20–30 mmHg above the expected systolic pressure, not a fixed percentage above it.