Which instrument is commonly used to measure blood pressure?

The sphygmomanometer is the correct instrument for measuring blood pressure. This device typically consists of an inflatable cuff that is wrapped around the upper arm, a measuring unit that indicates pressure, and a mechanism for inflating and deflating the cuff. As the cuff inflates, it occludes the artery, and as it slowly deflates, the practitioner listens with a stethoscope to identify the systolic and diastolic pressures based on the sounds of blood flow returning under the cuff. This method provides essential information about cardiovascular health and helps in diagnosing conditions like hypertension.

Other instruments mentioned serve different purposes: a stethoscope is primarily used to listen to internal sounds of the body, such as heartbeats and breath sounds, rather than measure blood pressure directly. A thermometer measures body temperature, while a pulse oximeter is used to assess oxygen saturation in the blood, neither of which is relevant to measuring blood pressure. This highlights the unique role of the sphygmomanometer in healthcare for assessing blood pressure.