Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

Blood pressure is measured in which units?

1. Picograms

2. Millimeters of mercury

3. Grams per deciliter

4. Centimeters of water

The correct answer is: Millimeters of mercury

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) due to its historical context and practical application. The measurement originated from the use of mercury columns in early sphygmomanometers, which are devices designed to measure blood pressure. When a clinician assesses blood pressure, they are essentially measuring the height of a column of mercury that is displaced in response to the pressure exerted by blood within the arteries. The use of millimeters of mercury as a unit allows for a clear and standard way to quantify pressure. Specifically, when a blood pressure reading like 120/80 mmHg is recorded, it indicates the systolic pressure (the first number) is 120 mmHg and the diastolic pressure (the second number) is 80 mmHg. This method is widely recognized and used globally, making it an indispensable part of cardiovascular assessment. The other units mentioned, such as picograms, grams per deciliter, and centimeters of water, are used in different contexts and do not accurately describe blood pressure. Picograms are a measure of mass, grams per deciliter typically measure concentration, and centimeters of water measure pressure in specific fluid dynamics contexts, but they do not apply to the standard clinical measurement of blood pressure in humans