Question: Which action is acceptable for the nurse to perform when assessing blood pressure? In newborns, take the blood pressure in one arm and one leg and document the difference to check for heart defects. Use electronic monitoring devices on clients with irregular heartbeats, tremors, or the inability to hold the arm still. During the initial nursing assessment of a client, take the blood pressure on both arms and use the arm with the lower reading for subsequent pressures. Raise the client's arm over the head for 30 seconds to help relieve congestion of blood in the limb and make the sounds louder and more distinct.