Final answer:
The brachial artery is the artery compressed by the sphygmomanometer during a blood pressure reading. It is temporarily occluded when the cuff's pressure exceeds the systolic pressure, and blood pressure readings are obtained first when blood flow resumes and second when it becomes unimpeded.
Step-by-step explanation:
The artery in the upper limb that is compressed by the sphygmomanometer when taking a blood pressure reading is the brachial artery. The sphygmomanometer includes an inflatable cuff that is placed around the upper arm and inflated to a pressure above the systolic pressure, temporarily stopping blood flow through the brachial artery. As the pressure in the cuff is slowly released, the health professional listens for the return of blood flow using a stethoscope, associated with specific sounds indicative of the systolic and diastolic pressures.
The measurement of blood pressure via a sphygmomanometer involves careful control of the pressure applied by an inflatable cuff to the brachial artery in the upper arm. This pressure must initially exceed the individual's systolic blood pressure, halting the blood flow. The practitioner then gradually decreases the cuff's pressure. The moment blood flow recommences, systolic pressure is determined by the audible tapping sound. Similarly, diastolic pressure is ascertained when the sound ceases and blood flows unimpeded. Mercury manometers are commonly used due to their accuracy, and the procedure allows health professionals to obtain crucial readings for assessing cardiovascular health.