When measuring blood pressure, what is a true statement?

The statement regarding the patient's arm being positioned at the level of the heart is true because proper positioning is essential for obtaining an accurate blood pressure reading. When the arm is at heart level, blood flow is more accurately reflected in the measurements due to the gravitational effects on the blood column. If the arm is positioned too high, the reading could be falsely low, whereas if it’s too low, the reading may be falsely high. Therefore, positioning the arm correctly helps ensure that the blood pressure measurement reflects true physiological values, leading to more reliable clinical decisions.

In contrast, using a BP cuff that is too large would typically yield a lower measurement, not a higher one, and a cuff that is too small would result in a higher reading. Additionally, measuring blood pressure one hour after alcohol consumption may not provide an accurate picture of a patient’s baseline blood pressure, as alcohol can temporarily elevate blood pressure.