Dialysis Technician Practice Exam

Which instrument is commonly used to measure blood pressure?

1. Electrocardiogram

2. Sphygmomanometer

3. Stethoscope

4. Thermometer

The correct answer is: Sphygmomanometer

The sphygmomanometer is the standard instrument used to measure blood pressure. This device typically consists of an inflatable cuff, a measuring unit (either a mercury column or a digital display), and a means of inflation, which is often a bulb. When the cuff is inflated around the arm, it occludes the arterial blood flow. As the cuff deflates, the pressure is measured at the point where blood flow returns, which is indicated by sound (if using a manual sphygmomanometer in conjunction with a stethoscope) or digitally. The sphygmomanometer is essential in healthcare settings to monitor patients' blood pressure as high or low blood pressure can significantly affect overall health. It plays a critical role in diagnosing and managing conditions such as hypertension and heart disease. Other instruments listed serve different purposes: an electrocardiogram records the electrical activity of the heart, a stethoscope amplifies sounds in the body for examination (often in conjunction with blood pressure measurement), and a thermometer measures body temperature. Each instrument has its own unique function in patient care, highlighting the specialized role of the sphygmomanometer in blood pressure assessment.