SOLDIER'S MANUAL AND TRAINER'S GUIDE - Fort Drum

STP 8-91W15-SM-TG
8. Determine the blood pressure.
a. If a stethoscope is used, complete the following steps:
(1) Rotate the thumbscrew slowly in a counterclockwise motion, allowing the cuff to
deflate slowly.
(2) Watch the gauge and remember the reading when the first distinct sound is heard
(systolic pressure).
(3) Continue to watch the gauge and remember the reading where the sound
changes again and becomes muffled or unclear (diastolic pressure).
(4) Release the remaining air.
b. If a stethoscope is not used, complete the following steps:
(1) Palpate for the radial pulse.
(2) Rotate the thumbscrew slowly in a counterclockwise motion, allowing the cuff to
deflate slowly.
(3) Watch the gauge and remember the point at which the pulse returns (systolic
pressure).
NOTES: 1. The diastolic pressure cannot be determined using this method. 2. If the
procedure must be repeated, wait at least 1 minute before repeating steps 6 through 8.
9. Record the blood pressure on the appropriate forms.
a. Record the systolic reading over the diastolic reading, for example 120/80.
b. Record the readings in even numbers.
10. Evaluate the blood pressure reading by comparing it with one of the following:
a. The patient's previous reading.
b. An average of the patient's previous readings.
c. The normal range: 100-140/60-90 for males and 90-130/50-60 for females.
11. Report abnormal readings to the supervisor.
Evaluation Preparation:
Setup: A double stethoscope should be used if available. A tolerance of ± 4 mm Hg will be
allowed. If other methods are used, such as independent measurements on different sites or at
different times, the evaluator must apply discretion in applying the ± 4 mm Hg standard. You
will allow the soldier to retake the blood pressure at least once if the soldier feels that it is
necessary to obtain an accurate reading. You will use discretion in allowing additional
repetitions based upon the difficulty of obtaining a reading on the patient.
Brief soldier: Tell the soldier to take a patient's blood pressure. Tell the soldier that the blood
pressure may be retaken, if necessary, to obtain an accurate reading.
Performance Measures GO NO
GO
1. Explained the procedure to the patient, if necessary. —— ——
2. Selected the proper size of sphygmomanometer cuff. —— ——
3. Checked the equipment. —— ——
4. Positioned the patient. —— ——
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