Which instrument is used to measure blood pressure?

Which instrument is used to measure blood pressure?

• A. Thermometer
• B. Sphygmomanometer
• C. Barometer
• D. Hygrometer

Answer: (B)

Measuring blood pressure requires an instrument that can apply controlled, adjustable pressure to the upper arm and show the pressure reading in millimeters of mercury. That instrument is a sphygmomanometer. It typically includes a cuff, a pressure gauge, and often a stethoscope for listening to the arteries as the cuff is released. As the cuff inflates to compress the brachial artery and then gradually deflates, the first tapping sound heard signals systolic pressure, and the point where the sounds disappear indicates diastolic pressure. Other devices measure different things: a thermometer measures body temperature, a barometer measures atmospheric pressure, and a hygrometer measures humidity. They don’t provide arterial blood pressure readings.

Measuring blood pressure requires an instrument that can apply controlled, adjustable pressure to the upper arm and show the pressure reading in millimeters of mercury. That instrument is a sphygmomanometer. It typically includes a cuff, a pressure gauge, and often a stethoscope for listening to the arteries as the cuff is released. As the cuff inflates to compress the brachial artery and then gradually deflates, the first tapping sound heard signals systolic pressure, and the point where the sounds disappear indicates diastolic pressure.

Other devices measure different things: a thermometer measures body temperature, a barometer measures atmospheric pressure, and a hygrometer measures humidity. They don’t provide arterial blood pressure readings.