The calibration of the Goldmann applanation tonometer should be checked at which settings?

The calibration of the Goldmann applanation tonometer is crucial for ensuring accurate intraocular pressure measurements. It is important to check the calibration at specific settings to ensure the device is functioning correctly across a range of pressures. The correct answer indicates that calibration should be checked at the settings 0, 2, and 6 mmHg.

Setting the tonometer at 0 mmHg allows for verification of the baseline, ensuring that the instrument does not show a false pressure when there is none. At 2 mmHg, you can confirm the instrument's response to very low pressures, which is critical in clinical settings, especially for detecting ocular hypotony. Checking at 6 mmHg helps to assess the tonometer's performance in a normal range where most intraocular pressures are expected to fall during routine examinations.

This combination of settings provides a comprehensive overview of the tonometer's accuracy across low and high values, ensuring that it can reliably be used for patient assessments. Other combinations of settings do not adequately cover this range, missing critical pressure benchmarks necessary for effective clinical use.