What is the correct procedure to take a patient's blood pressure?

The correct procedure to take a patient's blood pressure involves inflating the cuff, listening with a stethoscope for the Korotkoff sounds, and then gradually releasing the pressure in the cuff. This method allows for an accurate assessment of the systolic and diastolic blood pressures, which are the key measurements used to evaluate cardiovascular health.

When the cuff is inflated, it occludes the brachial artery temporarily. As the pressure is released, the first sound heard with the stethoscope indicates the systolic pressure, while the point at which the sounds disappear reflects the diastolic pressure. This technique is established as the standard for measuring blood pressure as it provides direct and reliable readings.

While the other options involve various methods of assessing cardiovascular function, they do not provide the accurate measurement of blood pressure that is achieved through the proper use of a sphygmomanometer and stethoscope. For instance, using a thermometer focuses on temperature, and measuring the radial pulse only estimates general circulation without giving actual blood pressure readings.