National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

What is the common position for measuring blood pressure in adults?

1. Supine

2. Seated

3. Standing

4. Prone

The correct answer is: Seated

Measuring blood pressure in adults is most commonly performed with the individual seated. This position allows for accurate readings as it helps to ensure proper alignment of the arm with the heart level, which is critical for obtaining a consistent and reliable measurement. When seated, the patient's feet should be flat on the floor, and their back should be supported, creating a stable environment for the measurement process. In contrast, other positions such as supine may affect venous return and lead to artificially low readings, while standing can lead to variations due to the effects of gravity on blood flow, potentially giving false higher readings due to orthostatic changes. The prone position is unsuitable for blood pressure measurement, as it does not allow access to the arm for cuff placement and yields no relevant data for standard blood pressure assessment. Therefore, the seated position provides the most accurate and standard method for blood pressure measurement in adults.