Final answer:
If heartbeats are heard immediately after releasing the blood pressure cuff, reinflate the cuff to a higher initial pressure and then slowly deflate to listen for the Korotkoff sounds that mark the systolic and diastolic pressures.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you hear heartbeats immediately upon releasing the thumb screw of the blood pressure cuff, it could indicate that the initial pressure was not high enough to cut off blood flow entirely. In the procedure of measuring blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope, the cuff should be inflated to a pressure that is above the patient's expected systolic pressure. Once inflated, the pressure should temporarily stop blood flow in the patient's arm. As air is slowly released, the first Korotkoff sound signals the systolic pressure, and the point at which the last sound is heard marks the diastolic pressure.
If heartbeats are heard immediately, the clinician should reinflate the cuff to a higher pressure to ensure an accurate measurement. The correct technique is crucial for obtaining valid blood pressure readings and involves listening for the Korotkoff sounds that correspond with the appropriate systolic and diastolic pressures.