Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) Practice Test

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Study for the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer Exam. Engage with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Prepare for success!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is the optimal arm position when taking a patient's blood pressure?

Arm relaxed with elbow and forearm level with the heart
Arm at side with elbow straight
Arm at side above 12th rib with elbow bent
Arm held horizontal above 12th rib with elbow straight

The correct answer is: Arm relaxed with elbow and forearm level with the heart

When taking a patient's blood pressure, the optimal arm position involves having the arm relaxed, with the elbow and forearm being level with the heart. This positioning ensures that the blood pressure reading is accurate and reflective of the pressure in the arterial system at heart level. If the arm is above or below the heart, it can either elevate or reduce the measured blood pressure, leading to false readings. Keeping the arm relaxed helps prevent additional muscle tension that could interfere with the measurement. The focus on alignment with the heart is crucial because blood pressure readings can vary significantly based on the position of the arm relative to the heart. Inappropriate positions, such as having the arm at the side with the elbow straight or above the 12th rib, would not maintain the optimal level to get an accurate reading. Therefore, the first choice represents best practice for taking blood pressure.