During a palpation-based blood pressure assessment, which value is obtained?

During a palpation-based blood pressure assessment, which value is obtained?

• A. Diastolic blood pressure
• B. Systolic blood pressure
• C. Mean arterial pressure
• D. Pulse pressure

Answer: (B)

Palpation-based blood pressure testing yields the systolic pressure. When you inflate the cuff and feel for the radial pulse, you note the cuff pressure at which the pulse can no longer be felt—the point of disappearance. That pressure corresponds to the systolic blood pressure because it marks the level at which arterial flow is just stopped during contraction. Diastolic pressure isn’t obtainable by palpation alone, since identifying the relaxation phase of the heart requires listening for Korotkoff sounds or using an automated method. Mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure need both systolic and diastolic values, so they can’t be determined from palpation alone.

Palpation-based blood pressure testing yields the systolic pressure. When you inflate the cuff and feel for the radial pulse, you note the cuff pressure at which the pulse can no longer be felt—the point of disappearance. That pressure corresponds to the systolic blood pressure because it marks the level at which arterial flow is just stopped during contraction. Diastolic pressure isn’t obtainable by palpation alone, since identifying the relaxation phase of the heart requires listening for Korotkoff sounds or using an automated method. Mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure need both systolic and diastolic values, so they can’t be determined from palpation alone.