When pressure is auscultated, the first sound heard is the ____________ measurement.

The first sound heard when auscultating blood pressure is known as the systolic measurement. This is typically detected using a stethoscope placed over the brachial artery while inflating and then slowly deflating a sphygmomanometer cuff. The point at which the first distinct sound occurs indicates the systolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and pumps blood.

This measurement is crucial, as it reflects how effectively the heart is functioning during contraction, and helps in assessing the overall cardiovascular health of the individual. Understanding the significance of the systolic reading is essential, as it is often the primary focus in initial assessments of blood pressure.