If an automated BP device is suspected to be inaccurate, the recommended steps include:

• A. Ignore the discrepancy and continue
• B. Only re-check after replacing the patient
• C. Re-check with a validated manual method or another validated device, calibrate or replace the device, and document the discrepancy
• D. Increase the cuff size until the reading seems plausible

Answer: (C)

When an automated blood pressure device seems inaccurate, the goal is to verify its readings against a trusted standard and address any issue to protect patient safety. The best approach is to re-check using a validated manual method with a calibrated sphygmomanometer or with another validated device, then calibrate or replace the device if the discrepancy persists, and document what was found. This sequence confirms whether the device is truly unreliable or if the initial reading was affected by technique or cuff issues, and it keeps a clear record for quality control.

Device measurements can drift or be affected by cuff fit, arm position, patient movement, or user technique. A validated manual method serves as a reference standard; if it confirms inaccuracy, recalibration or replacement fixes the problem so readings are trustworthy. Documenting the discrepancy creates an audit trail, helps identify recurring device issues, and guides future practice.

Increasing the cuff size to make a reading seem plausible does not address the underlying inaccuracy and can introduce new errors, so it isn’t an appropriate fix.