Which option describes the correct procedure when measuring blood pressure with a cuff and stethoscope?

• A. Inflate to 200 mmHg
• B. Seat resident with arm supported at heart level; place cuff; place stethoscope over brachial artery; Inflate 30 mmHg above palpated systolic; Deflate slowly; note systolic/diastolic
• C. Read measurement immediately after applying cuff
• D. Place stethoscope over the carotid artery

Answer: (B)

Measuring blood pressure with a cuff and stethoscope relies on precise auscultatory technique. Sit the resident with the arm supported at heart level, place the cuff snugly with the bladder over the brachial artery, and position the stethoscope over that same artery in the antecubital area. Inflate the cuff about 30 mmHg above the palpated systolic pressure to ensure the artery is fully occluded, then deflate slowly while listening for the Korotkoff sounds. Record the systolic pressure at the first sound and the diastolic pressure when the sounds disappear. This description captures the correct sequence and placement, making it the best choice. Reading immediately after applying the cuff, inflating to an arbitrary high number, or placing the stethoscope on the carotid artery would not yield an accurate measurement.