Which vital sign is primarily assessed using sphygmomanometer?

The correct answer is blood pressure because a sphygmomanometer is specifically designed to measure the pressure of the blood in the arteries. This instrument typically consists of an inflatable cuff that wraps around the upper arm and a manometer to display the pressure readings. When the cuff is inflated, it temporarily restricts blood flow in the artery. As the cuff is slowly deflated, specific sounds (Korotkoff sounds) are heard through a stethoscope at certain pressure levels, allowing healthcare providers to determine systolic and diastolic blood pressures.

Other vital signs such as temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate are assessed using different methods. Body temperature is usually measured with a thermometer, heart rate is gauged through palpation of peripheral pulses or with an electronic monitor, and respiratory rate is observed by counting the number of breaths over a minute. Each of these vital signs has its own distinct measurement techniques that do not involve a sphygmomanometer.