How should you protect patient privacy during blood pressure measurement?

• A. Expose the patient to allow clinician to locate best measurement site.
• B. Record readings in a visible board for team to see.
• C. Provide coverage, explain steps concisely, minimize exposure to the minimum necessary, document readings discreetly, and store data securely.
• D. Share readings with entire department without consent.

Answer: (C)

Protecting privacy during blood pressure measurement means respecting the patient’s modesty and confidentiality while obtaining accurate data. Provide coverage so only the area being measured is exposed, explain the steps concisely so the patient understands what will happen, and limit exposure to what is necessary. Record the readings discreetly and store data in secure systems with restricted access. This approach protects privacy, reduces embarrassment, and keeps information secure. Exposing more than needed, posting readings publicly, or sharing results without consent would breach privacy and isn’t appropriate.