Circunferência braquial e adequação de manguitos em unidade de terapia intensiva adulto

Introduction: The measurement of the arm circumference is one of the steps to take prior the indirect measurement of blood pressure. However, a non-compliance with the protocol is observed in the clinical practice, which may lead to incorrect diagnoses and values . Objective: To identify the arm circumference of hospitalized patients and to correlate with the corresponding cuff size, according to the VI Brazilian Hypertension Guidelines. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study with patients in the adult intensive care unit. An inelastic metric tape was used to measure the arm circumference of the subjects and to compare it with the recommendations of the VI Brazilian Guidelines on Hypertension. Results: The arm circumferences of 46 patients was measured. Of those, only 16 (34.8%) had appropriate cuffs, 28 (60.9%) had a larger than recommended and two (4.3%) presented with a smaller cuff. Conclusion: The results show an inappropriate choice of correct cuff size, which can lead to wrong treatment. It is punctual the need for continuing educational activities for professionals involved with the measurement of blood pressure, especially in relation to the suitability of the cuff in critically ill patients.