BP/needlestick on arm with dialysis CVC

[KaeliF]

I'm a new nurse and one of my more experienced colleagues told me it was ok to take a blood pressure on an arm with a dialysis CVC, but I wasn't sure (so I didn't take it on that arm of course) I know this is a no-no for grafts and fistulas, whats the rule for dialysis CVCs?

[TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN]

I would have to agree with you. I would never risk compromising an implanted device by inflating a bood pressure cuff over the top of it. In most instances, you have another limb you can use without worry so why would you risk it.

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

It is acceptable to take a BP and perform venipunture on the same side arm as permanent (such as a Perm a cath) or temporary (such as a Trialysis or Quinton). We often even have to place a PICC on the same side side arm as well. There is not an IV standard that lists this as a contraindication. I would however avoid using the Cephalic vein an all dialysis patients or potential dialysis patients as it needs to be preserved for a potential future graft or shunt. We do avoid placing PICCs in HD patients BUT it is still often necessary and as a precaution we get approval from the nephrologist.