What should clients do before having their blood pressure taken?

Before having their blood pressure taken, clients should rest for at least five minutes. This is important because physical activity, emotional stress, or recent exertion can lead to temporary increases in blood pressure. By allowing the body to relax and stabilize after any physical activity or emotional strain, the reading obtained will be more reflective of the individual's true resting blood pressure.

Resting helps to eliminate factors that could skew the reading, providing healthcare providers with a more accurate assessment of the client’s cardiovascular health. Adequate rest ensures that blood flow and heart rate are in a more stable state, which is crucial for effective monitoring and assessment.

Engaging in activities such as staying active, drinking water, or practicing deep breathing may not contribute positively to obtaining an accurate blood pressure reading, as these actions might alter the physiological state of the client immediately prior to measurement.