During auscultation of blood pressure, which Korotkoff phase is crisper and louder?

• A. Phase III
• B. Phase I
• C. Phase II
• D. Phase IV

Answer: (A)

When listening for blood pressure with a stethoscope, you hear a sequence of Korotkoff sounds as the cuff deflates. The phase in which the tapping becomes crisp and loud is the third phase. This phase occurs after the initial muffling of sounds and represents a moment when the artery opens more forcefully with each heartbeat, producing a clearly audible, sharper tapping. That crisp, louder quality distinguishes Phase III from the earlier muffled sounds (Phase II) and the later softer/disappearing sounds (Phases IV and V). So the crisper, louder sound during auscultation aligns with Phase III.