What is the purpose of using a sphygmomanometer?

The purpose of using a sphygmomanometer is to measure blood pressure. This instrument is specifically designed to assess the force of circulating blood against the walls of the arteries, providing crucial data for evaluating a patient's cardiovascular health. Blood pressure readings consist of two values: systolic pressure, which measures the pressure during heartbeats, and diastolic pressure, which measures the pressure between beats. High or low blood pressure can indicate various health issues, making this measurement vital in clinical settings.

The other choices focus on different aspects of health monitoring. Assessing heart rate requires a different method, such as taking a pulse. Evaluating respiratory rate involves counting breaths rather than measuring blood pressure. Checking blood glucose levels is done using a glucometer, which is entirely separate from the functions of a sphygmomanometer.