HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which device is known as an aneroid?

1. Electronic thermometer

2. Dial-type blood pressure device

3. Stethoscope

4. Pulse oximeter

The correct answer is: Dial-type blood pressure device

An aneroid device refers specifically to instruments that measure pressure without using liquid components, often employing mechanical mechanisms. The dial-type blood pressure device, commonly known as a sphygmomanometer, falls into this category because it uses a calibrated scale and a needle to indicate pressure levels on a dial. Aneroid devices rely on the expansion and contraction of a metal diaphragm in response to changes in pressure, allowing for a direct reading of blood pressure without the need for mercury or other liquid mediums. This makes them a preferred option for blood pressure measurement in many clinical settings due to their ease of use and safety. In contrast, electronic thermometers utilize electronic sensors to measure temperature rather than pressure. A stethoscope is an acoustic device used for listening to internal body sounds and does not measure pressure. A pulse oximeter also measures blood oxygen levels without involving pressure measurement, utilizing light absorption rather than mechanical pressure readings. Therefore, the dial-type blood pressure device is the correct choice as it embodies the essential characteristics of an aneroid instrument.