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Ersoy S, Pinar R, Ersoy IH. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2011; 17: 105-109 Changes in blood pressure in the sitting and standing positions in hypertensive patients Most guidelines for management of hypertension do not give special preference to a specific position of patient during blood pressure (BP) measurement, suggesting that BP readings taken with patients sitting, supine and standing are equivalent. The objective of this study was to examine whether there was any difference between BP readings with hypertensive participants comfortably sitting on chair and those with participants standing with the arm supported horizontally at the right atrial level. BP was measured twice each for 168 hypertensive patients (medicated and unmedicated) at sitting, standing and sitting positions, respectively, with a mercury-filled column sphygmomanometer. We found significantly lower in systolic and diastolic BP readings in standing position than in sitting position. The present study indicates that the BP readings are related to the posture; thus, BP measured in different positions cannot automatically be regarded as equivalent. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Aims: To test whether there is any difference between blood pressure readings with patients wearing clothes under the manometer's cuff and not wearing clothes. Background: The few studies published on this subject have shown that blood pressure measurements give similar results whether the patients' arm is covered by clothing or not. However, it has not been clarified whether this is also true in hypertensive patients. Method: Blood pressure was measured on non-sleeved arm, sleeved arm and again on non-sleeved arm in 258 hypertensive patients using a mercury-filled column sphygmomanometer. Three nurses who were experienced and specially trained for the study performed blood pressure measurements. They were unaware of the purpose of the research. Results: Measuring blood pressure with the manometer's cuff over participant's sleeved arm did not differ significantly from non-sleeved arm measurements. Relevance to clinical practice: Sleeves have no effect on blood pressure results. Blood pressure readings taken over the sleeves will be much more practical and time saving in busy departments like emergency rooms, during disasters like earthquake where decisions have to make in minutes. Additionally, it will be time saving for general health screening surveys. Finally, it may have preferable because of hygiene concerns, patient privacy and religious beliefs. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Aims: The aim of this study was to examine whether there is any difference between BP readings with patients crossing a leg at the knee level and uncrossing during BP measurement. Background: It is clear that numerous factors influence an individual's blood pressure (BP) measurement. However, guidelines for accurately measuring BP inconsistently specify that the patient should keep feet flat on the floor. Design: Repeated measures. Method: Using a mercury-filled column sphygmomanometer, BP was measured at uncrossed leg position, crossed leg position and again at uncrossed leg position in 283 unmedicated or medicated patients. Three experienced nurses specially trained for the study performed BP measurements. Results: The results indicated that BP increased significantly with the crossed leg position. Systolic and diastolic BP significantly increased approximately 10 and 8 mmHg, respectively. Conclusion: Crossing the leg at knee results in a significant increase in BP. Relevance to clinical practice: Leg position during measurement of BP should be standardised and mentioned in publications. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.