Vital signs and reportingQuestion 1355 of 1700
Why do you let a resident rest for a few minutes before you take a blood pressure?
- Recent activity can give a falsely high reading
- Rest lowers the size of the cuff needed
- Rest makes the pulse more regular
- Rest is a rule for use of the scale
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Correct answer: Recent activity can give a falsely high reading
Let the person sit quietly first. Activity can push the reading up.
Source: Nursing Assistant (Reuter), 7.4: Obtaining Vital Signs
Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026