The instrument used to measure blood pressure is called?

AIIMS Nagpur NO - 2018

Nursing Foundation

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS Nagpur NO - 2018

Explanation

A sphygmomanometer is the correct medical instrument used to measure arterial blood pressure.
As seen in the image, it consists of an inflatable cuff that wraps around the arm, a measuring unit (an aneroid manometer with a dial), and a rubber bulb to inflate the cuff.
It is typically used in conjunction with a stethoscope to listen for Korotkoff sounds, which correspond to the systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings.

Option B: A pulse oximeter measures the oxygen saturation of the blood (SpO₂), not blood pressure. It is a non-invasive clip usually placed on a fingertip or earlobe.
Option C: A thermometer is used to measure body temperature. It has no function related to measuring blood pressure.
Option D: A spirometer measures lung function, specifically the volume and flow of air that can be inhaled and exhaled. It is used in pulmonary function tests.

Visual 1: Diagram - A labeled diagram showing the parts of an aneroid sphygmomanometer: cuff, bladder, manometer (gauge), inflation bulb, and release valve. This helps learners identify each component.
Visual 2: Chart - A blood pressure classification chart showing categories for Normal, Elevated, Hypertension Stage 1, and Stage 2. This connects the measurement to clinical interpretation.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Identification and use of medical instruments for vital signs assessment helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Accurate blood pressure measurement is a fundamental nursing skill essential for diagnosing hypertension, assessing cardiovascular risk, and monitoring the effectiveness of treatments.
Using an incorrectly sized cuff is a common error that leads to inaccurate readings. A cuff that is too narrow will give a falsely high reading, while a cuff that is too wide will give a falsely low reading.
What if? If a patient has a very weak or non-palpable pulse, a Doppler ultrasound device can be used with the sphygmomanometer to amplify the sounds of blood flow and obtain a systolic pressure reading.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the question, which asks to identify the specific instrument used for measuring blood pressure.
Next, carefully examine the provided image. Identify the key components: an arm cuff, a pressure gauge, and an inflation bulb. Recognize this assembly as a sphygmomanometer.
Review the four options provided.
Match the identified instrument from the image and the function described in the question (measuring blood pressure) with the correct term from the options.
Confirm the answer by eliminating the other options based on their distinct functions: a pulse oximeter for SpO₂, a thermometer for temperature, and a spirometer for lung volume.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Identification and use of medical instruments for vital signs assessment.
Stem keywords: instrument, measure, blood pressure
Lead-in keywords: is called
Clinical cues: Image of a sphygmomanometer
Negative lead-in flag: false

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