The size of the cuff depends on the size of the arm. There is a formula that can be used to calculate a cuff size, but generally there are 4 or 5 sizes that most hosptials stock and between them can be used on just about everyone.
Sphygmomanometers are used to check a patient's blood pressure. A sphygmomanometer is also simply called a blood pressure cuff.
If you have a blood pressure cuff and no stethoscope, you can measure the systolic blood pressure only. To do this, apply the blood pressure cuff to the patent's arm and find the patient's radial pulse (palm-side of the wrist on the thumb-side) with your fingers. While monitoring the patient's radial pulse, increase the pressure in the cuff until you can no longer feel a pulse. Add a bit more pressure, then slowly deflate the cuff until you can feel the pulse return. Since you are only doing this by feel, you will note it 'by palpation'. For example, if your patient's pulse is 132 systolic, you will note it as 132/P.
The medical term for a blood pressure cuff is a sphygmomanometer.
A device to check your blood pressure manually. (Blood pressure cuff)
A blood pressure cuff is a sphygmomanometer. Better check the crossing word in the puzzle :)
sfig-moh-mə-nom-i-tər A sphygmomanometer or blood pressure meter is a device used to measure blood pressure, composed of an inflatable cuff to restrict blood flow, and mechanical manometer to measure the pressure. It is always used in conjunction with a means to determine at what pressure blood flow is just starting, and at what pressure it is unimpeded. They are also used in conjunction with a stethoscope to ensure accuracy.
When the blood pressure cuff is inflated, the blood flow is stopped. Slowly the cuff is decreased. When the technician starts to hear the blood flow, these are called Korotkoff Sounds. This pressure point defines the systolic pressure.
The pressure in the cuff drops further, the sounds change in quality, then become muted, then disappear altogether. As the pressure in the cuff drops below the diastolic blood pressure, the cuff no longer provides any restriction to blood flow allowing the blood flow to become smooth again with no turbulence and thus produce no further audible sound.
The real name for a blood pressure cuff is sphygmomanometer.
systolic/diastolic measured by blood pressure cuff
At an exam with your doctor, they will put a cuff on your arm and inflate it just enough to feel the pressure, then the cuff is let go to deflate. The time it takes for your body to deflate that cuff counts as your blood pressure, counted by the doctor or nurse you will see.
If an automatic blood pressure cuff will not register your blood pressure, it is probably broken. If you don't think that is the reason. you should consult your physician and ask he/she to take it for you. If it still does not show up, then you may want to discuss with the doctor why it does not show.