Diastolic pressure is indicated by which event in the auscultatory method?

Diastolic pressure is indicated by which event in the auscultatory method?

• A. The first detection of the sounds
• B. The disappearance of the sounds
• C. The maximum cuff pressure
• D. The pulse becomes audible at the cuff site

Answer: (B)

In the auscultatory method, the moment the Korotkoff sounds first appear corresponds to systolic pressure, while the diastolic pressure is indicated by the point at which those sounds disappear. As the cuff is deflated, arterial flow changes from turbulent to quieter to inaudible; when the sounds cease, it shows the cuff pressure has fallen to the diastolic level. So the disappearance of the sounds is the best indicator of diastolic pressure. The first appearance of sounds marks the systolic pressure, the cuff’s maximum inflation pressure isn’t a reading of diastolic, and hearing a pulse at the cuff site isn’t a reliable marker for diastolic pressure.

In the auscultatory method, the moment the Korotkoff sounds first appear corresponds to systolic pressure, while the diastolic pressure is indicated by the point at which those sounds disappear. As the cuff is deflated, arterial flow changes from turbulent to quieter to inaudible; when the sounds cease, it shows the cuff pressure has fallen to the diastolic level.

So the disappearance of the sounds is the best indicator of diastolic pressure. The first appearance of sounds marks the systolic pressure, the cuff’s maximum inflation pressure isn’t a reading of diastolic, and hearing a pulse at the cuff site isn’t a reliable marker for diastolic pressure.