When taking blood pressure, which technique should a CNA use?

The selected answer is appropriate because taking blood pressure accurately requires the use of a sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope. The sphygmomanometer measures the pressure in the arteries, while the stethoscope is used to listen for the sounds of blood flow, which indicate the systolic and diastolic pressures.

Ensuring the cuff is appropriately sized is crucial for accurate readings, as an incorrectly sized cuff can lead to false high or low results. Using this method allows the CNA to obtain reliable blood pressure readings, which are essential for assessing a patient's cardiovascular health.

Other methods mentioned, such as using a thermometer, would not provide any relevant information about blood pressure, as it measures body temperature. While digital blood pressure monitors can be useful, they aren't always available in every setting, and a CNA should be proficient in the traditional method as well. Taking blood pressure without any equipment would not yield valid results, making those options ineffective for monitoring blood pressure accurately.