Which of the following methods is used to assess blood pressure with the palpatory technique?

Using the palpatory technique to assess blood pressure involves locating the radial pulse. This method allows the healthcare provider to determine the systolic blood pressure without the use of a stethoscope. The provider inflates the sphygmomanometer cuff until the pulse disappears, indicating that the pressure in the cuff is greater than the systolic pressure. As the cuff is gradually deflated, the pulse returns, and the pressure at which the pulse reappears is noted as the systolic blood pressure.

Other methods, such as using a sphygmomanometer, involve more comprehensive techniques that often require a stethoscope to measure both systolic and diastolic pressures. Checking capillary refill is used to assess peripheral circulation, and measuring heart rate does not provide specific information about blood pressure directly. Therefore, locating the radial pulse is essential for accurately employing the palpatory technique in assessing blood pressure.