BP cuff over a PICC line

[offlabel]

I know this causes a riot in some places, but if I have a reason, I don't hesitate to put a BP cuff over the same arm as a PICC line.

Any good, supported opinions not to besides "just 'cause you shouldn't do that?"

[Wile E Coyote, ASN, RN]

How about increased incidences of clot formation and phlebitis in the catheterized vein under the cuff? That's compelling enough for me to avoid the practice.

[offlabel]

How about increased incidences of clot formation and phlebitis in the catheterized vein under the cuff? That's compelling enough for me to avoid the practice.

After a brief search, sounds like it's more of a problem than I originally knew.

[AceOfHearts<3]

Any arm with a PICC line in it at my facility is automatically a "limb alert" with absolutely no procedures that arm.

[IVRUS, BSN, RN]

PLEASE... NOT ONLY DO YOU NEED TO HESITATE, you need to avoid this practice.

Think of a straw in a tube. When you compress the tube, fluid in the tube (or in this case blood) is drawn into the straw. This can cause occlusions, and think of the damage to the smooth endothelial layer of the blood vessel when the compression causes it to be in contact with the IV catheter.

Just say NO.

[sjalv]

Is there a reason you can't use the other arm? If so, I would use a radial cuff below the PICC line. I would never use a brachial cuff over a PICC line.

[hecallsmeDuchess]

I know this causes a riot in some places, but if I have a reason, I don't hesitate to put a BP cuff over the same arm as a PICC line.

Any good, supported opinions not to besides "just 'cause you shouldn't do that?"

I'm very surprised your patients with PICC lines allow you to do this.

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

As you now know it's a very bad practice and can harm your patient. You want to stop this practice immediately and use an alternate site to obtain your BP. It does not suprise me at all that patients allow this. Patients put a lot of trust in us and many just believe us and allow us to do things even if they have been given instructions on the proper care.

[FloatRN19]

Maybe sit down with a picc nurse and talk about the ins and outs.

[NuGuyNurse2b]

there goes that evidence-based practice, I see.

[CardiacDork, MSN, RN]

Well I'll be. Scary