When a patient is measuring blood pressure at home, what should they do while measuring in a supine position?

When measuring blood pressure in a supine position, it is important for the patient to support their arm with a pillow during the measurement. Supporting the arm at heart level helps ensure accurate readings by providing stability and ensuring that the cuff is positioned appropriately. This positioning minimizes the risk of altered blood flow or tension that could lead to inaccurate readings.

Using a pillow to support the arm also helps to maintain a relaxed posture, which can further contribute to obtaining a true representation of the patient's blood pressure at rest. Positioning the arm correctly is critical when measuring blood pressure, as variations in arm height can significantly affect the results.

In contrast, keeping the legs straight, using a smaller cuff, or having the head elevated can lead to potential inaccuracies in measurement or discomfort for the patient.