When measuring blood pressure on a lower extremity, where should the cuff bladder be placed?

When measuring blood pressure in the lower extremity, the cuff bladder must be placed on the thigh to obtain an accurate reading. This positioning is essential because the thigh is the closest approximation to the heart for arteries accessible in the lower extremities, allowing for a more reliable measurement of systemic arterial pressure.

The cuff needs to be broad enough to encompass the thigh properly, as a cuff that is too small or too large can lead to inaccurate readings. Ideally, the bladder of the cuff should cover approximately 75% to 100% of the upper thigh circumference.

Other locations, such as the ankle or wrist, would be less suited for accurate blood pressure measurement in lower extremities because the pressure readings taken there can be influenced more significantly by peripheral resistance and may not reflect central systolic pressure accurately. Measuring in the arm is also inappropriate in this scenario, as it does not pertain to assessing blood pressure in the lower extremities. Thus, placing the cuff on the thigh provides the most valid information for evaluating blood pressure in the legs.