After calibrating an aneroid sphygmomanometer, which item should be documented?

• A. Calibration dates
• B. The cuff color
• C. The device serial number
• D. The patient’s name

Answer: (A)

Documenting calibration dates is essential because it creates a clear record of when the instrument was last verified for accuracy and when the next check is due. Aneroid gauges can drift over time, and having a dated calibration log ensures readings are trustworthy, supports quality assurance, and helps meet regulatory or facility requirements. It also provides traceability if readings are ever reviewed.

Cuff color is simply a physical attribute and doesn’t reflect the calibration status. The device serial number helps identify the unit and its maintenance history, but the immediate information required after calibration is the date (and often the due date) of calibration. The patient’s name isn’t related to the device’s calibration.