(2) Blood pressure. When a patient's blood pressure is taken, it is recorded
in the same block as the TPR readings, but above those readings. The systolic-slash-
diastolic form is used. The abbreviation "mm Hg" is not entered in order to save space.
At 1600, Mr. Jones' vital signs were taken again. This time, his blood pressure was also
taken. His blood pressure readings were:
(a) Systolic: 136 mm Hg.
(b) Diastolic: 90 mm Hg.
c. General Rules. The readings recorded on the DA Form 3950 conform to
general rules given previously in this subcourse. These rules are summarized below.
(1)
All Fahrenheit temperatures are to be rounded to the nearest two-tenths
of a degree.
(2)
All Celsius temperatures are to be rounded to the nearest one-tenth of a
degree.
(3)
All rectal temperatures are to have a circled "R " above the temperature
reading.
(4) All axillary temperatures are to have a circled " A " above the
temperature reading.
(5) All temperatures without a special symbol are understood to be oral
temperatures.
(6)
All pulse rates are to be recorded in even whole numbers.
(7) All blood pressure readings are to be recorded in even whole numbers.
The systolic (highest) pressure is entered in front of the diastolic (lowest) pressure. The
systolic and diastolic readings are separated by a slash (diagonal line), such as
"130/96."
(8) All breathing rates are recorded as whole numbers. The numbers may
be either even or odd.
6-3.
HOW IS VITAL SIGNS INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM A SF 511?
Specific instructions for entering information on a SF 511, Vital Signs Record, are
not given in this subcourse. However, the instructions given below should be sufficient
for you to read vital sign information from the form.
MD531
6-9