What action should be taken if the resident's sleeve covers the area for blood pressure measurement?

When measuring blood pressure, it is crucial to ensure that the cuff can fit properly on bare skin for an accurate reading. Rolling the resident's sleeve up about 5 inches above the elbow allows the cuff to make direct contact with the skin, which helps to obtain a precise measurement. This approach minimizes the potential for obstruction or interference from clothing, resulting in more reliable results.

Choosing to ask the resident to hold their sleeve up may not guarantee that the cuff will be in the correct position for measurement, as it might still be obstructed. Measuring blood pressure over the sleeve can lead to inaccurate readings due to the added material that can impede the proper functioning of the cuff. Adjusting the cuff to fit over the sleeve is also not advisable, as it can cause the cuff to fit improperly, further compromising the accuracy of the measurement. Rolling the sleeve up provides a straightforward and effective solution to this issue.