The diastolic pressure is identified by which of the following during cuff deflation?

The diastolic pressure is identified by which of the following during cuff deflation?

• A. First Korotkoff sound
• B. Disappearance of Korotkoff sounds
• C. Peak cuff pressure
• D. Initial pulse detection

Answer: (B)

When you measure blood pressure by auscultation, you listen for Korotkoff sounds while you deflate the cuff. The first distinct tapping that appears as the cuff pressure falls below the systolic level marks the systolic blood pressure. As deflation continues, the sounds eventually disappear completely, and that point corresponds to the diastolic pressure. In other words, diastolic pressure is identified when Korotkoff sounds can no longer be heard. (Note: some guidelines mention a brief muffling phase before disappearance in certain individuals, but the standard criterion is the final disappearance of sounds.) The other events—hearing the first tapping, peak cuff pressure, or detecting an initial pulse—do not indicate the diastolic value.

When you measure blood pressure by auscultation, you listen for Korotkoff sounds while you deflate the cuff. The first distinct tapping that appears as the cuff pressure falls below the systolic level marks the systolic blood pressure. As deflation continues, the sounds eventually disappear completely, and that point corresponds to the diastolic pressure. In other words, diastolic pressure is identified when Korotkoff sounds can no longer be heard. (Note: some guidelines mention a brief muffling phase before disappearance in certain individuals, but the standard criterion is the final disappearance of sounds.) The other events—hearing the first tapping, peak cuff pressure, or detecting an initial pulse—do not indicate the diastolic value.