The sphygmomanometer and the stethoscope are used to assess blood_pressure. The upper chambers of the heart (atria) are supposed to contract at the same time, followed by the simultaneous contraction of the two lower chambers (ventricles). This creates one complete cardiac_cycle.

When the ventricles contract, the sound of the blood rushing out of the heart and into the aorta can be heard. This is called the systolic pressure. A brief moment later, a series of softer sounds (sounds of Korotkoff) indicate the resumption of blood flow in the arteries. The diastolic pressure occurs as the sounds end. Blood pressure and pulse rate are common patient evaluations because they establish whether the patient's cardiac functions are within normal range. The sphygmomanometer can be used with the stethoscope to assess blood pressure.

The sphygmomanometer should be placed on the patient's arm just above the elbow. The inflatable area of the cuff should be on the medial surface of the arm.

Position the stethoscope ear pieces in your ears and place the stethoscope's microphone over the brachial artery. Inflate the cuff of the sphygmomanometer to approximately 160mm.

Use the valve of the sphygmomanometer to slowly release the pressure. Once the cuff is inflated and you loosen the valve, start listening for the systolic and diastolic sounds.

DO NOT allow the pressure to continue on the patient's arm for more than one minute. If you have trouble getting a reading within a minute, stop the process, release the pressure and start over.

Pulse_pressure may be felt on any superficial artery with the help of the stethoscope. A normal pulse rate ranges from 70-76 beats per minute.

Here are the common pulse points:

common_carotid_artery,

facial_artery,

brachial_artery,

radial_artery,

femoral_artery,

popliteal_artery,

posterior_tibial_artery, and the

dorsalis_pedis_artery

Note: The most commonly used pulse point is the radial artery.