During manual blood pressure measurement, which instrument is used for auscultation?

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

Answer: (B)

A stethoscope is used for auscultation. When taking manual blood pressure, you inflate the cuff with a sphygmomanometer and then slowly release pressure while listening with the stethoscope placed over the brachial artery. The first Korotkoff sounds heard indicate systolic pressure, and when the sounds disappear, that marks diastolic pressure. The otoscope is for examining the ears, the thermometer for temperature, and the sphygmomanometer alone measures pressure but is not used to listen to sounds.