Which action would a nurse take to prevent a parallax error and ensure accuracy when assessing a client's blood pressure?

Reading the manometer at eye level is crucial for preventing parallax error, which occurs when measurements are misread due to the angle of vision. When the scale of the manometer is viewed from above or below eye level, the measurement may appear inaccurately higher or lower than it actually is. By ensuring the nurse's eye is level with the gauge, they can obtain a precise reading that reflects the true arterial pressure. This practice is essential for the accuracy of blood pressure assessments.

While other actions such as measuring at the level of the heart, using an automated blood pressure cuff, and positioning the client in a supine position can contribute to obtaining accurate blood pressure readings, they do not directly address parallax error. Measuring at heart level is important to ensure that the reading reflects the true blood pressure without hydrostatic influence. Using an automated cuff can improve convenience and consistency in readings, and positioning the client correctly helps obtain a valid assessment. However, these practices do not eliminate the risk of parallax error, which is specifically mitigated by reading the manometer at eye level.