Which vital sign is measured using a sphygmomanometer?

A sphygmomanometer is a medical device specifically designed for measuring blood pressure, which is the force of blood exerted against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps it around the body. This device typically consists of an inflatable cuff that wraps around the arm, a measuring tape that indicates the pressure, and a bulb for inflating the cuff.

During the measurement process, the cuff is inflated to temporarily stop blood flow in the artery. As the cuff deflates, the clinician listens for specific sounds (known as Korotkoff sounds) through a stethoscope to determine the systolic and diastolic pressures. Monitoring blood pressure is crucial in clinical settings as it helps assess cardiovascular health and identify conditions such as hypertension.

In contrast, heart rate is measured by counting beats per minute, respiratory rate tracks the number of breaths taken in a minute, and body temperature is typically measured with a thermometer. Each of these vital signs requires different instruments and methods, emphasizing the specialized use of the sphygmomanometer in assessing blood pressure specifically.