Object Description: Sphygmomanometer
Abstract
The object description focuses on a specific object as well as fully describing the object then stating the parts that make up the object. This object description is on the sphygmomanometer otherwise known as the blood pressure cuff. It is used in order to measure one’s blood pressure. There are two types of sphygmomanometers those being the automatic and manual sphygmomanometer. When the cuff of the sphygmomanometer is placed around your arm and pumped up, the blood flow in your arm ceases. As the pressure in the cuff is released, blood begins to flow allowing for the Korotkoff sounds to be heard through a stethoscope which provides the blood pressure reading. As you slowly release the pressure of the cuff, once blood flow begins to proceed, the needle can be seen making small “jumps” which can assist in determining the correct mmHg reading.
A sphygmomanometer is a medical instrument used to measure a person’s blood pressure. It is used in conjunction with a stethoscope in order to measure blood pressure. The stethoscope is used in order to hear the Korotkoff sounds which indicate blood flow due to the released pressure. Manual sphygmomanometers offer two sizes based on the age or arm of a patient which are adult and pediatric sized cuffs. There are also automatic blood pressure machines that many doctor offices and hospitals are now switching over to. When the cuff of the sphygmomanometer is placed around your arm and is pumped up, the blood flow in your arm ceases. Each pump of the inflation bulb increases the pressure measured in millimeters per mercury (mmHg) applied by the cuff which restricts the blood flow in that part of your arm. In order to release pressure, you must turn the pressure release valve slowly counter clockwise until the Korotkoff sounds can be heard. As the pressure in the cuff is released, blood begins to flow allowing for the Korotkoff sounds to be heard through a stethoscope which provides the blood pressure reading. As you slowly release the pressure of the cuff, once blood flow begins to proceed, the needle can be seen making small “jumps” which can assist in determining the correct mmHg reading.
The Parts of the Sphygmomanometer
1) The cuff is placed in above the antecubital space of the arm or 1 to 2 inches above the elbow.
2) The gauge consists of a needle allowing the blood pressure reading to be read in mmHg or millimeter of mercury.
3)The inflation bulb is what you squeeze to increase the pressure of the cuff
4) The pressure release valve allows you to slowly release pressure and air from the cuff in order to allow blood flow which is what is used to provide the sounds used for your reading.
