In palpatory blood pressure measurement, after the radial pulse disappears, inflate the cuff by how many mmHg above that point?

In palpatory blood pressure measurement, after the radial pulse disappears, inflate the cuff by how many mmHg above that point?

• A. 10
• B. 20
• C. 30
• D. 40

Answer: (C)

In palpatory blood pressure, you use the felt radial pulse to estimate systolic pressure. You inflate the cuff until the radial pulse can no longer be felt, meaning the cuff pressure has just exceeded the systolic pressure. To ensure the artery is fully occluded and to account for patient and measurement variability, you inflate about 30 mmHg above the point where the pulse disappears. Then you deflate slowly and note the pressure at which the pulse returns—that value corresponds to the systolic blood pressure. Using about 30 mmHg extra helps prevent underestimation due to slight fluctuations or imperfect occlusion.

In palpatory blood pressure, you use the felt radial pulse to estimate systolic pressure. You inflate the cuff until the radial pulse can no longer be felt, meaning the cuff pressure has just exceeded the systolic pressure. To ensure the artery is fully occluded and to account for patient and measurement variability, you inflate about 30 mmHg above the point where the pulse disappears. Then you deflate slowly and note the pressure at which the pulse returns—that value corresponds to the systolic blood pressure. Using about 30 mmHg extra helps prevent underestimation due to slight fluctuations or imperfect occlusion.