What is the correct procedure for measuring blood pressure?

The proper procedure for measuring blood pressure involves placing the cuff snugly around the upper arm, inflating it, and then listening for heartbeats. This technique is critical because it allows for accurate determination of systolic and diastolic pressures. The upper arm provides a reliable site for measurement, as it is closer to the heart and reflects central blood pressure more accurately compared to other sites.

Using a stethoscope while measuring blood pressure enables the healthcare provider to hear the Korotkoff sounds, which are the sounds of blood flow through the arteries as the cuff is deflated. This method ensures that the readings taken are precise, helping in the proper assessment of a patient's cardiovascular health.

Other methods, such as those mentioned in the incorrect options, either lack accuracy or are improper. Measuring at the wrist, for instance, is less reliable due to anatomical variations and is influenced more by peripheral resistance. Similarly, using a wrist monitor without a stethoscope disregards the critical listening component needed in traditional blood pressure measurement. Thus, the most effective and accepted method involves using the cuff on the upper arm with proper inflation and auscultation.