How should the cuff be positioned on the resident's arm for accurate measurements?

The cuff should be positioned just above the elbow, aligned with the brachial artery, to ensure accurate blood pressure measurements. This placement allows for proper compression of the artery as the cuff inflates. When the cuff is correctly positioned, it facilitates accurate detection of the systolic and diastolic blood pressure by directly impacting the brachial artery, which is the primary artery used for measuring blood pressure in the arm.

Positioning the cuff at the wrist, shoulder, or below the elbow would not provide reliable readings, as these locations do not correspond with the anatomical placement of the brachial artery. This highlighting of the correct positioning helps ensure that nurse aides can effectively monitor patients’ blood pressure, which is vital for assessing cardiovascular health and other related conditions.