Conocimientos de los estudiantes de enfermería sobre la técnica correcta de la medición de la presión arterial.

Abstract

Blood pressure measurement assesses health status and detects abnormalities. Objective: To analyze the level of knowledge among nursing students regarding the correct technique for measuring blood pressure in outpatients at the Catholic University of Santiago de Guayaquil. Methodology: Quantitative, descriptive, prospective, and cross-sectional approach. Population: 108 nursing students in their fourth and fifth semesters, as well as those in their rotating internships, during the 2025–2026 academic period. Technique: Survey. Instrument: Questionnaire. Results: 39% demonstrated high knowledge, 39% medium knowledge, and 22% low knowledge. 56% were between 25 and 35 years old, 68% were women, and 50% had no prior training as a nursing assistant or technician. Among the requirements, 81% recognized the need to take the measurement in a quiet place, and 72% identified the use of validated equipment. Regarding the protocol, 72% indicated the arm should be positioned at heart level. As for the order, 69% correctly identified diastolic blood pressure. Among the associated factors, 83% identified arm position and physical activity, while 89% indicated the information received. Conclusion: Intermediate and advanced levels of proficiency were equally prevalent among the students. However, difficulties were still identified in understanding the requirements, the protocol, and the order of the steps; therefore, classes, practice sessions, and simulations of this procedure should be reinforced.