Using a mercury sphygmomanometer involves several key steps: - Positioning: Ensure the patient is seated comfortably with their arm at heart level. - Cuff Placement: Wrap the cuff snugly around the upper arm, just above the elbow. - Inflation and Deflation: Inflate the cuff using the bulb until the artery is occluded. Slowly release the air while listening with a stethoscope placed over the brachial artery. - Reading: Note the pressure reading at which the first (systolic) and last (diastolic) Korotkoff sounds are heard.
