While assessing blood pressure with an aneroid sphygmomanometer, the cuff is inflated to 160 mmHg and the first Korotkoff sounds are heard as the cuff is released. What should the nurse do next?

While assessing blood pressure with an aneroid sphygmomanometer, the cuff is inflated to 160 mmHg and the first Korotkoff sounds are heard as the cuff is released. What should the nurse do next?

• A. Reposition the stethoscope in the antecubital fossa over the palpable brachial pulse point.
• B. Release air and reinflate to 30 mm Hg above the previous systolic reading.
• C. Inflate quickly to a higher pressure than the previously auscultated systolic sound.
• D. Continue the blood pressure assessment until the last Korotkoff sound is heard.

Answer: (D)

Korotkoff sounds mark systolic pressure at the first sound and diastolic pressure at the point where the sounds disappear. Since you heard the first sound as you released the cuff, you should continue deflating slowly and listen for the last Korotkoff sound. The pressure at that moment is the diastolic pressure, and you’ll record the blood pressure as systolic over diastolic. Use a slow, controlled deflation rate (about 2–3 mmHg per second) to ensure accuracy.

Korotkoff sounds mark systolic pressure at the first sound and diastolic pressure at the point where the sounds disappear. Since you heard the first sound as you released the cuff, you should continue deflating slowly and listen for the last Korotkoff sound. The pressure at that moment is the diastolic pressure, and you’ll record the blood pressure as systolic over diastolic. Use a slow, controlled deflation rate (about 2–3 mmHg per second) to ensure accuracy.