Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

Blood pressure is measured using a?

1. Thermometer

2. Watch

3. Otoscope

4. Sphygmomanometer

The correct answer is: Sphygmomanometer

Blood pressure is measured using a sphygmomanometer, which is a medical device specifically designed for this purpose. It typically consists of an inflatable cuff that wraps around a patient's arm and a gauge that measures the pressure within the cuff. As the cuff inflates, it temporarily stops blood flow in the artery, and as it deflates, the healthcare provider listens to the sounds of blood flow using a stethoscope or observes readings on the gauge. This allows for the accurate determination of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings, which are essential for assessing a patient’s cardiovascular health. Other devices mentioned do not serve this function. A thermometer measures body temperature, a watch is used for telling time, and an otoscope is a tool for examining the ears. Each of these instruments has its specific purpose in healthcare, but none are capable of measuring blood pressure.