When measuring blood pressure (BP), where should the instrument's tubes be placed relative to the arm?

Correct option is A

Sol. When measuring blood pressure manually, the tubing of the stethoscope should hang freely and not be permitted to rub against any object. This typically means positioning the tubing outward (laterally) from the arm to prevent any interference or noise that could affect the accuracy of the measurement.​
Explanation of each option:
· (a) Outward (Lateral) – Correct answer. Positioning the tubing outward reduces the risk of it rubbing against the patient's body or clothing, minimizing extraneous noise and ensuring a clear auscultation of Korotkoff sounds.​
· (b) Inward (Medial) – Positioning the tubing inward may cause it to come into contact with the patient's body, potentially creating noise that can interfere with accurate blood pressure measurement.​
· (c) Backward (Posterior) – Directing the tubing backward is unconventional and may lead to discomfort or difficulty in handling the equipment during measurement.​
· (d) Back of the arm (Postero-lateral) – Placing the tubing on the back of the arm is not standard practice and may result in the tubing rubbing against surfaces, leading to inaccurate readings.​