What is the most appropriate way to test a resident’s blood pressure?

The most appropriate way to test a resident's blood pressure is by using a sphygmomanometer and stethoscope or an automatic blood pressure monitor. This method allows for accurate and reliable measurements of blood pressure, which is crucial for assessing a resident’s cardiovascular health.

When using a sphygmomanometer in conjunction with a stethoscope, the healthcare professional inflates the cuff to occlude the blood flow in the artery and then gradually releases the pressure. The healthcare worker listens for specific sounds (Korotkoff sounds) to determine the systolic and diastolic pressures. Automatic blood pressure monitors provide a similar function with the benefit of convenience and ease of use, as they can provide readings without the need for auscultation skills.

Other methods mentioned, such as using a thermometer, are designed for measuring body temperature and are not relevant to blood pressure assessment. Using a pulse oximeter is intended to measure blood oxygen saturation, which does not provide any information on blood pressure. Manual palpation may offer a rough estimation of blood pressure by feeling the pulse but lacks precision and does not provide the actual systolic and diastolic values needed for thorough health evaluation. Therefore, the option that utilizes the correct equipment to accurately measure blood