What are the recommended preparation procedures for standardized office BP measurement?
The recommended preparation procedures for standardized office BP measurement include having the patient relax, sitting in a chair (feet on floor, back supported) for > 5 min; the patient should avoid caffeine, exercise, and smoking for at least 30 min before measurement; ensure patient has emptied his/her bladder; neither the patient nor the observer should talk during the rest period or during the measurement; and remove all clothing covering the location of cuff placement.