What is the purpose of a blood pressure cuff and how should it be placed?

The blood pressure cuff is specifically designed to measure blood pressure, which is the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. For accurate readings, the cuff must be properly placed around the upper arm. This location allows for direct measurement of blood pressure in the brachial artery, which is traditionally used for this assessment.

When the cuff is inflated, it temporarily occludes the artery, and as it deflates, a healthcare professional listens with a stethoscope or observes oscillations on a digital monitor to determine the systolic and diastolic pressures. Placing the cuff on the upper arm is crucial because it provides a consistent measurement site where the artery is accessible and near the heart's level, giving a true representation of systemic blood pressure.

The other options incorrectly describe the purpose of the device or its appropriate placement. The blood pressure cuff is not used for measuring heart rate, assessing temperature, or evaluating pulse. Each of these vital signs requires different tools and techniques, such as a pulse oximeter or thermometer, and they are measured at different anatomical sites.