Question:

What are the problems with manual blood pressure measurement?

Answer:

Manual blood pressure measurement using auscultation of Korotkoff’s sounds is subject to observer bias. Since it is based on the ability of the human ear to detect and distinguish sounds, there is a possibility for measurement error due to individual levels of auditory acuity and sensitivity. The actual point of diastolic blood pressure is less clear. Inexperienced observers may find it difficult to differentiate between phase 4 and phase 5. In some patients it may be difficult to determine phase 5.

An appropriate sized cuff should be wrapped around the arm. The arm should be maintained at the level of patient’s heart.

Mercury sphygmomanometers are now phased out of clinical practice due to concerns with mercury toxicity. Aneroid sphygmomanometers invariably become inaccurate over time.