Category
Vital Sign Monitoring
Typical Use
Measure arterial blood pressure.
Description
An inflatable cuff paired with a pressure gauge (aneroid or digital) used to measure systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressure noninvasively. The cuff is placed around the upper arm at heart level and inflated to occlude arterial flow, then slowly deflated while listening for Korotkoff sounds or using an automated sensor to determine pressures. Accurate measurement requires correct cuff size, patient positioning, and calibration of the device; repeated or improper technique can yield misleading readings. Blood pressure measurement is a routine vital sign used to screen for hypertension, guide medication management, and monitor hemodynamic status.