To obtain an accurate blood pressure measurement, the patient should Be seated in a chair (not on the examination table) for > 5 minutes, feet on floor, back supported Have the limb supported at heart level with no clothing covering the area of cuff placement Abstain from exercising, consuming caffeine, or smoking for at least 30 minutes before the measurement is taken Heart rate and rhythm are assessed by palpating the carotid or radial pulse, by using a pulse oximeter or automated blood pressure cuff with that function, or, if arrhythmia is suspected, by cardiac auscultation; some heartbeats during arrhythmias may be audible but do not generate a palpable pulse.