Which tool is commonly used to measure blood pressure?

Which tool is commonly used to measure blood pressure?

• A. Thermometer
• B. Sphygmomanometer
• C. Stethoscope
• D. Pulse oximeter

Answer: (B)

The sphygmomanometer is the primary tool used to measure blood pressure. This instrument consists of an inflatable cuff that wraps around the upper arm, connected to a measurement device that displays the pressure reading. It works by temporarily occluding blood flow in the artery and then releasing the pressure while measuring the sounds of blood flow through the artery, which can provide both systolic and diastolic pressure readings. This method is essential in diagnosing and monitoring cardiovascular health. In contrast, a thermometer is used for measuring body temperature, a stethoscope is primarily used for auscultating heartbeats and lung sounds, and a pulse oximeter measures the oxygen saturation levels in the blood, none of which assess blood pressure. Understanding the specific functions of these tools is crucial for accurate health assessments.

The sphygmomanometer is the primary tool used to measure blood pressure. This instrument consists of an inflatable cuff that wraps around the upper arm, connected to a measurement device that displays the pressure reading. It works by temporarily occluding blood flow in the artery and then releasing the pressure while measuring the sounds of blood flow through the artery, which can provide both systolic and diastolic pressure readings. This method is essential in diagnosing and monitoring cardiovascular health.

In contrast, a thermometer is used for measuring body temperature, a stethoscope is primarily used for auscultating heartbeats and lung sounds, and a pulse oximeter measures the oxygen saturation levels in the blood, none of which assess blood pressure. Understanding the specific functions of these tools is crucial for accurate health assessments.