What should clients do before having their blood pressure taken?

Resting for at least five minutes before having blood pressure taken is crucial for obtaining an accurate reading. When a person is active or has been recently engaged in physical activity, their heart rate and blood pressure can be elevated. This elevation can lead to a falsely high reading, which does not reflect the individual's baseline blood pressure.

Sitting calmly and resting for five minutes allows the cardiovascular system to stabilize, resulting in a more reliable measurement. During this period, it’s also important for the client to be in a comfortable position, sitting with their back supported and feet flat on the floor. This preparation ensures the environment is conducive to taking an accurate blood pressure reading, free from stress or exertion that could skew the results.