An instrument used for measuring arterial blood pressure is called what?

• A. Stethoscope
• B. Sphygmomanometer
• C. Manometer
• D. Aneroid gauge

Answer: (B)

Measuring arterial blood pressure is done with a sphygmomanometer. This device places a cuff around the arm and uses a pressure gauge to record the force needed to momentarily stop blood flow in the brachial artery. As the cuff deflates, a clinician may listen with a stethoscope to detect Korotkoff sounds, which indicate systolic pressure (first sound) and diastolic pressure (disappearance of sound). The name specifically refers to the instrument used for this measurement; other terms describe parts or related tools—the stethoscope is for listening, a manometer is a general pressure gauge, and an aneroid gauge is a type of dial gauge used in some sphygmomanometers.