What device is used to measure blood pressure in a clinical setting?

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

Answer: (A)

Measuring blood pressure requires a device that can apply controlled pressure to the arm and show the pressure reading. The sphygmomanometer does this. It typically uses a cuff that inflates to temporarily stop blood flow in the brachial artery. As the cuff deflates, a clinician can sense the blood flow returning and listen for Korotkoff sounds with a stethoscope (in manual measurements) to identify systolic pressure (when the sounds first appear) and diastolic pressure (when the sounds disappear). Modern clinics also use automated cuffs that provide the reading electronically, but they are still based on the same sphygmomanometer principle.

The stethoscope, while essential for listening to heart and blood flow during the manual method, isn’t measuring pressure by itself. An endoscope is used for visualizing internal body passages, not for measuring pressure. A thermometer measures temperature, not blood pressure.