Raven EMS Education Program ManualAssessment Vitals Blood Pressure Evaluation Form
Date:
Student name:
Evaluator name:
Steps:
Take or verbalize infection control precautions.
Explain the procedure to the patient (if conscious).
Select an appropriate-size blood pressure cuff (ie, large adult, adult, small adult, pediatric, or infant.
Place the cuff snugly around the upper arm, about 1 inch above the antecubital space. Center the bladder over the brachial artery. Ensure the bulb and tubing are in the downward direction.
Palpate the brachial artery. Place the diaphragm of the stethoscope over the artery and inflate the cuff rapidly.
Deflate the cuff slowly (3–4 mm Hg per second); note the first sound heard (systolic pressure) and note where the sound changes or stops (diastolic pressure). Deflate the remainder of the cuff rapidly.
Record the reading.
Palpate the brachial or radial artery. Inflate the cuff rapidly until a pulse can no longer be palpated.
Deflate the cuff slowly (3–4 mm Hg per second); note the point at which the pulse is palpable. Deflate the remainder of the cuff rapidly.
Record the reading.
Accepts evaluation and criticism professionally.
Shows willingness to learn/asks appropriate questions.
Interacts with simulated patient and other personnel in a professional manner (ie, uses appropriate name, explains procedures, maintains modesty, courteous to crew, etc).
Passing criteria:
Pass: At least 70% (? of ?) successfully completed above. Currently at 0% completed.
Fail.
Fails to take or verbalize infection control precautions prior to performing procedure.
Did not explain and reassure the patient to allow informed consent.
Uses inappropriate cuff size (too large or too small for patient).
Obtains inaccurate reading (greater than 4 mm Hg difference between candidate and instructor).
