Question

When administering blood pressure, the diastolic pressure is determined when ____________________.

A. the tapping sounds begin.
B. the tapping sounds fade.
C. all sounds are gone.
D. the sounds become stronger and sharper.

Answer 1

The diastolic pressure during blood pressure measurement is determined when the tapping sounds, known as Korotkoff sounds, fade away.

Step-by-step explanation:

When administering blood pressure, the diastolic pressure is determined when the tapping sounds fade. The use of a sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope allow clinicians to measure blood pressure by listening to Korotkoff sounds.

Initially, when the cuff is fully inflated, there is no sound. As the pressure in the cuff is slowly reduced, the first Korotkoff sound indicates the systolic pressure as blood begins to spurt through the artery when cuff pressure equals arterial systolic pressure.

The diastolic pressure is noted when these sounds fade away, which signifies blood flowing freely through the artery without turbulence.