Certified Clinical Medical Assistant CCMA Practice Test

The sphygmomanometer is the instrument specifically designed to measure blood pressure. It typically consists of an inflatable cuff that is wrapped around the upper arm and a measuring unit (which may be a column of mercury, a dial, or digital readout) that indicates pressure. When the cuff is inflated, it temporarily stops blood flow through the artery. As the cuff pressure is released, the point at which blood begins to flow again is noted to indicate systolic pressure, while the point where blood flow is no longer obstructed indicates diastolic pressure. This method provides accurate readings and is essential for evaluating cardiovascular health.

The other options serve different purposes: a thermometer measures body temperature, a stethoscope is used to listen to internal body sounds (like the heart or lungs) but does not measure blood pressure directly, and an electrocardiogram records the electrical activity of the heart, providing information about heart rhythm and function without indicating blood pressure. Thus, the sphygmomanometer is uniquely suited for blood pressure measurement.