Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 10, 2025
An Objective and Child-friendly Assessment of Arm Function by Using a 3-D Sensor
Published on: February 12, 2018
Correlation of patient characteristics with arm and finger measurements in Asian parturients: a preliminary study
Ming Jian Lim1, Chin Wen Tan1,2, Hon Sen Tan1
1Department of Women's Anesthesia, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, 229899, Singapore.
Background:
Accurate blood pressure (BP) measurement depends on appropriate cuff size and shape in relation to the arm. Arm dimensions outside the recommended range of cuff sizes or trunco-conical arms may result in inaccurate BP measurements. Measuring BP using finger cuffs is a potential solution. Arm cuff size is based on mid-arm circumference (MAC), and trunco-conicity is quantified by conicity index. We aimed to determine the correlation of MAC, body mass index (BMI), and weight with conicity index.
Methods:
A prospective cohort study was conducted in the KK Women's and Children's Hospital where third trimester parturients scheduled for cesarean delivery were recruited after obtaining informed consent. Parturients were asked to rate their experience with time taken to obtain BP readings, cuff popping off during measurement, need to move the cuff from the upper arm to lower arm or leg, and need to change to a different cuff. Our primary outcome was the correlation between MAC and conicity index, calculated using Pearson's correlation. The correlation between BMI and weight with conicity index was also determined.
Results:
We enrolled 300 parturients. Moderate correlation was found between left MAC and left conicity index (r = 0.41, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.51), and right MAC and right conicity index (r = 0.39, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.48). Weight (r = 0.35 to 0.39) and BMI (r = 0.41 to 0.43) correlated with conicity index in this study. MAC of 1 parturient fell outside the recommended range for arm cuffs, but all parturients fit into available finger cuffs. Obese parturients had increased problems with arm cuffs popping off and needing a change of cuff.
Conclusions:
BMI better correlated with conicity index compared to MAC or weight. Standard finger cuffs were suitable for all parturients studied and may be a suitable alternative.
Trial Registration:
Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04012151 . Registered 9 Jul 2019.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
01:28Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
01:14Temperature Measurement Sites
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Axilla
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and put on clean gloves to maintain infection control and prevent cross-contamination.
Step 2: Prepare the patient by explaining the procedure to ensure understanding and cooperation. Ensure privacy, expose the axilla, and inform the patient that minimal movement is crucial for an accurate reading.
Step 3: Adjust the patient’s clothing to expose only the axilla. It minimizes...
01:19Guidelines For Measuring Vital Signs
Before taking a patient's vital signs, a nurse would consider and assess the patient's comfort level and ensure appropriate equipment is available.