In palpatory blood pressure measurement, if the radial pulse disappears at 90 mmHg, inflate to which systolic value?

In palpatory blood pressure measurement, if the radial pulse disappears at 90 mmHg, inflate to which systolic value?

• A. 110
• B. 115
• C. 120
• D. 125

Answer: (C)

Palpatory blood pressure estimation uses the point where the radial pulse disappears to gauge systolic pressure, but that disappearance happens a bit below the true systolic value. To arrive at a practical estimate, you add about 30 mmHg to the disappearance pressure. That’s why if the pulse vanishes at 90 mmHg, you estimate the systolic pressure as about 120 mmHg. The added margin accounts for the typical offset between the disappearance pressure and the actual systolic pressure, giving a reliable, quick approximation when auscultation isn’t used.

Palpatory blood pressure estimation uses the point where the radial pulse disappears to gauge systolic pressure, but that disappearance happens a bit below the true systolic value. To arrive at a practical estimate, you add about 30 mmHg to the disappearance pressure. That’s why if the pulse vanishes at 90 mmHg, you estimate the systolic pressure as about 120 mmHg. The added margin accounts for the typical offset between the disappearance pressure and the actual systolic pressure, giving a reliable, quick approximation when auscultation isn’t used.