Texas Medical Assistant Certification Practice Test

As a blood pressure cuff is deflated, the last tapping sound heard is the __________ pressure.

1. mean arterial

2. systolic

3. diastolic

4. pulse

The correct answer is: diastolic

The last tapping sound heard as the blood pressure cuff is deflated corresponds to the diastolic pressure. Diastolic pressure represents the lowest level of pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats. During blood pressure measurement, as the cuff is slowly released, sounds from the Korotkoff phase are produced. Initially, when the cuff is inflated, there is enough pressure to prevent blood flow, resulting in silence. As the cuff pressure decreases, blood begins to flow back into the artery, which creates a sound known as a "tapping" sound. The first of these sounds indicates the systolic pressure, which is the maximum pressure exerted when the heart beats. As the cuff continues to deflate, the sounds will eventually soften and fade. The final audible sound is where one identifies the diastolic pressure, as it reflects the point at which the heart is in its relaxed state, and the arterial pressure falls to its lowest point. Understanding this concept is vital for accurate blood pressure assessment and overall cardiovascular health monitoring.