Which of the following is a common method for monitoring blood pressure?

The sphygmomanometer is a common method for monitoring blood pressure as it is specifically designed to measure the pressure of blood in the arteries. This device typically consists of an inflatable cuff that is placed around the upper arm, a manometer to measure the pressure, and a bulb to inflate the cuff. When the cuff inflates, it temporarily stops the flow of blood, and as it slowly deflates, the device measures two key pressures: systolic and diastolic. These readings are essential for assessing cardiovascular health.

Other options serve different monitoring purposes distinct from blood pressure measurement. An electrocardiogram is used to assess the electrical activity of the heart, pulse oximetry measures the oxygen saturation in the blood, and a stethoscope is a tool used for listening to internal body sounds, such as heartbeats and lung sounds. While a stethoscope can be used in conjunction with a sphygmomanometer (to detect blood flow sounds), it is not a standalone method for measuring blood pressure. Thus, the sphygmomanometer is the appropriate choice for specifically checking blood pressure levels.