HJAR Nov/Dec 2025

42 NOV / DEC 2025 I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS NURSING COLUMN NURSING hypertension rates in 2023, 6 nurses play a vital role in ensuring that every BPM read- ing counts. How Nurses Can Ensure Accurate BPM Accurate BPM requires collaboration between the nurse and the patient, proper device selection and calibration, and strict adherence to the 2025American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Blood Pressure Measurement Guidelines. 7 These guidelines emphasize the use of validated, automated devic- es that reduce human error and termi- nal-digit bias, consistent retraining of staff, and patient preparation prior to measure- ment. 8 While manual blood pressure readings are still common, automated office blood pressure monitors have shown better con- sistency and lower variability. 9 Therefore, to promote accurate measurement nurses should use automated, validated, and reg- HYPERTENSION affects nearly half of adults in the United States, about 119.9 mil- lion people. 1 In Arkansas, 42.5% of adults reported having high blood pressure in 2023. 2 High blood pressure was listed as a primary or contributing cause in 664,470 U.S. deaths in 2023 and is estimated to cost the healthcare system $131 billion annual- ly. 3 Because blood pressure measurement (BPM) is the only method used for diagno- sis, accurate BPM is essential for effective care and improving patient outcomes, 4 and is critical for identifying and manag- ing hypertension. Errors in BPM technique can lead to misdiagnosis, under- or over- treatment, and increased cardiovascular risk. 5 As the most frequently performed clin- ical skill, BPM reflects the foundation of evidence-based nursing practice and pa- tient safety. In Arkansas, where the state is ranked 44 out of the 50 states in regard to IMPROVING ACCURACY IN BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT: A Call to Action for Arkansas Nurses ularly calibrated devices. Staff responsible for measuring blood pressure should com- plete competency training and refresher sessions every 6 to 12 months to reinforce evidence-based technique. 10 During measurement, ensure that: • The cuff size is appropriate for the patient’s arm circumference and is placed on bare skin; • The patient has been seated quietly for at least five minutes before mea- surement; • Two or more readings are taken, at least one minute apart, with no talking during measurement; • The arm is supported at heart level, the feet are flat on the floor, the legs are uncrossed, and the back is sup- ported; and • The room environment is quiet, and the patient has not smoked, eaten, or consumed caffeine within 30 minutes of measurement. 11