Florida Nursing Assistant Competency Pracrice Exam

How should blood pressure be measured?

1. By placing the stethoscope over a vein

2. By placing the stethoscope over an artery

3. By using an oral thermometer

4. By measuring the radial pulse

The correct answer is: By placing the stethoscope over an artery

Blood pressure measurement is performed by using a stethoscope placed over an artery, specifically the brachial artery in the arm, while a sphygmomanometer is used to apply pressure via a cuff. When measuring blood pressure, it's essential to listen for the Korotkoff sounds, which are specific sounds created by the blood flow as the pressure in the cuff is released. This method allows for the accurate determination of systolic and diastolic pressures, which are vital indicators of cardiovascular health. The other options do not directly pertain to the correct methodology for measuring blood pressure. For example, placing the stethoscope over a vein would not facilitate the listening for blood flow sounds pertinent to blood pressure measurement. An oral thermometer is used for measuring body temperature, and measuring the radial pulse pertains to checking heart rate, rather than blood pressure. Thus, placing the stethoscope over an artery is the accurate and necessary practice for effectively measuring blood pressure.