ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

Which medical equipment is used to determine blood pressure?

1. Pulse oximeter and stethoscope only

2. Pulse oximeter and sphygmomanometer only

3. Stethoscope and sphygmomanometer only

4. Pulse oximeter, stethoscope, and sphygmomanometer

The correct answer is: Stethoscope and sphygmomanometer only

To determine blood pressure accurately, the sphygmomanometer is essential as it is specifically designed for measuring the pressure in the arteries during the cardiac cycle. This device works in conjunction with a stethoscope to listen for the Korotkoff sounds, which indicate the systolic and diastolic pressures. Using both the sphygmomanometer and stethoscope allows for correct identification of these sounds and accurate readings of blood pressure levels. The pulse oximeter, although a valuable tool for measuring oxygen saturation in the blood, does not contribute to blood pressure measurement and therefore is not necessary for this specific task. The presence of the stethoscope is crucial alongside the sphygmomanometer to ensure the healthcare provider can hear the relevant sounds that correspond with the pressure readings. This combination makes it clear why the answer highlighting only the stethoscope and sphygmomanometer is the correct one for measuring blood pressure.