Question:

Under what circumstances might an automated NIBP be inaccurate?

Answer:

An NIBP will be inaccurate if a wrong sized cuff is chosen. The correct size of cuff should be chosen depending on the circumference of the arm. The length of the bladder of the cuff should be at least 80 % of the arm circumference.

An NIBP will also be inaccurate in the presence of arrhythmias, movement of the arm, shivering, and external pressure on the arm, such as someone leaning on the arm. Automated NIBP’s tend to over-read at low pressures and under-read at high pressures.