A CNA selects a blood pressure cuff for an adult resident with a large upper arm. Which cuff choice is correct?
Answer choices
- AA cuff whose bladder covers at least 80 percent of the upper arm circumference
- BThe smallest cuff available to get a faster reading
- CA pediatric cuff tightened firmly on the forearm
- DAny cuff as long as it can wrap around the arm once
About this question
Which blood pressure cuff is correct for an adult resident with a large upper arm? Cuff sizing is a high-intent vitals topic because a wrong cuff skews the reading and can trigger false report decisions. Skills listings and written stems both care about fit, not just pumping technique. Read the wording and clinical context closely; those details determine the NNAAP competency being tested.
This question asks for the correct cuff choice. Select a cuff whose bladder covers at least about 80 percent of the upper arm circumference. A too-small cuff, a pediatric cuff on the forearm, or any wrap that merely circles once are traps. Match cuff size before you blame hypertension or hypotension on the resident. For blood pressure cuff size large arm, write the 80-percent fit rule next to the falsely high / falsely low cuff-size pair.
Reveal answer & explanationShow
Correct answer
- AA cuff whose bladder covers at least 80 percent of the upper arm circumferenceCorrect
- BThe smallest cuff available to get a faster reading
- CA pediatric cuff tightened firmly on the forearm
- DAny cuff as long as it can wrap around the arm once
Basic rationale
Blood pressure cuff bladder must cover at least 80 percent of the upper arm circumference for an accurate reading on a large arm.
Option explanations
- A: Correct. Bladder must cover at least 80 percent of upper arm circumference.
- B: Incorrect. A small cuff on a large arm reads falsely high.
- C: Incorrect. Pediatric forearm cuffs are inappropriate for adult upper arm BP.
- D: Incorrect. Cuff size must match arm circumference, not just wrap once.
Deep Analysis
Core logic
Undersized cuffs falsely elevate readings; pediatric cuffs on forearms or any cuff that barely wraps once are incorrect. Match cuff size to arm circumference.
Distractor analysis
B: The smallest cuff on a large arm gives falsely high blood pressure readings. C: Pediatric cuffs on the forearm are wrong site and wrong size. D: Wrapping once with any cuff ignores the 80 percent bladder coverage rule.
Exam trap
Large arm needs a large cuff whose bladder covers at least 80 percent of the arm.
Memory tip
BP cuff fit: bladder covers 80 percent of the upper arm.
Ready for more Physical Care Skills questions? Sign in to practice.
Related questions
- A CNA is providing perineal care for a female resident after she uses the bedside commode. In which direction should the CNA wipe?View question
- A CNA is about to feed a resident who had a stroke and has difficulty swallowing. How should the resident be positioned BEFORE the meal begins?View question
- A resident who is NPO for a scheduled diagnostic test reaches for a cup of coffee a family member left on the tray. What should the CNA do FIRST?View question
- A CNA has no visible soil on hands after leaving a resident room and wants to perform hand hygiene before the next task. When is alcohol-based hand sanitizer acceptable?View question
- A CNA is helping transfer a heavy resident from bed to chair using a gait belt. Which body mechanic is MOST important for the CNA?View question
Master Physical Care Skills for CNA
Sign in to practice this domain with blueprint-aligned questions, mocks, and AI explanations, then track what to study next.