Which device is used to read the arterial pressure on the gauge during blood pressure measurement?

• A. Stethoscope
• B. Oximeter
• C. Thermometer
• D. Sphygmomanometer

Answer: (D)

Reading arterial pressure on the gauge during blood pressure measurement is done with a sphygmomanometer. This device includes a cuff, a pressure gauge, and a pump. You inflate the cuff to stop blood flow, then slowly release the pressure and read the gauge to determine the systolic and diastolic values. A stethoscope is often used with the sphygmomanometer to listen for Korotkoff sounds that indicate those pressures, but the actual numeric reading comes from the gauge on the sphygmomanometer. The other devices measure different things: an oximeter checks oxygen saturation, and a thermometer measures temperature.