Question

Inflate your cuff until the pressure measures about _____ mm Hg. This will cut off blood flow in the _____ artery.

Option 1: 120; brachial
Option 2: 80; femoral
Option 3: 140; carotid
Option 4: 100; radial
Option 5: 160; popliteal

Answer 1

The correct inflation pressure for a blood pressure measurement using an inflatable cuff on the upper arm is generally 20-30 mm Hg above the expected systolic pressure, typically to around 140-160 mm Hg, targeting the brachial artery. The option that reflects this is 160 mm Hg for the brachial artery.

Step-by-step explanation:

In routine blood pressure measurements, to temporarily cut off blood flow and measure blood pressure accurately, an inflatable cuff is placed on the upper arm at heart level, targeting the brachial artery. A clinician inflates the cuff to a pressure that exceeds the patient's expected systolic pressure and then slowly releases it. When the clinician hears the first Korotkoff sound using a stethoscope, it indicates the resumption of blood flow, which is the systolic blood pressure. Typically, the cuff is inflated to about 20-30 mm Hg above the expected systolic pressure to ensure blood flow is completely occluded. Therefore, since normal systolic pressure is about 120 mm Hg, the cuff is commonly inflated to around 140-160 mm Hg. Considering this and the available options, the correct answer is: Option 4: 160; brachial artery.