IV in the forearm = no BP??

Published

Hi, so I'm a nursing student+CNA at a small town hospital and tonight I encountered a Pt (former RN) who told me I shouldn't do her BP on her right arm because there was a medlock that forearm (appeared to be in the basilic vein). Now there were no fluids running, no hx of masectomy, and no neon-braclet to indicate I couldn't do a BP.

I didn't follow her logic, but I just shrugged and switched the BP cuff to the other arm. I wanted to question her, but her family members were there and I didn't wanna embarrass her.

SO

1) is a BP contraindicated on an arm with a medlock and no fluids running?

2) is a BP contraindicated on an arm with a medlock with fluids running?

3) is this woman a whack job? :uhoh3:

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Specializes in Utilization Management.

The reason doesn't matter; basically, the woman asked you to do BP's only in the left arm, so do BP's only in the left arm. No problemmo, Lady. :D

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

I don't take a blood pressure on a limb that has an IV in it with fluids running in it or not because there is a risk of dislodging the IV because of the pressure from the vein when you inflate the cuff. I only do blood pressures on arms with IVs in them if there is no other option and I make sure to do it manually so I can stop it if I see something happening with the IV. I honestly just don't want to take the risk of ruining the IV for a blood pressure that can most likely be done on the other arm.

But most importantly of all...

Your patient ask you to take the blood pressure in the other arm and for me that's reason enough (unless for some medical reason their request is not feasible.) I have found that many patients have personal preferences for having blood work drawn too and I always do my best to honor their wishes.

!Chris :specs:

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Have you ever had an IV? I personally have found that it can hurt to have the BP taken in the arm with the IV site/saline lock. On older folks or poor sticks, I am concerned about blowing their veins, dislodging the cath, or in general putting additional stress on an already fragile site.

You *can* do a BP on a limb with a site; but if you have an option, you can. And, as you did, complying with a patient request is always appropriate.

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Specializes in Psych, Med/Surg, LTC.

I prefer to not use the arm with the IV in it, b/c I don't like to have the IV site go bad and have to restick them. If they have an IV in both arms, well, then I obviously have to.

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got it. thanks a lot everyone:yeah:

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Agreed with some of the above posters, it is best NOT to whether fluids are running or not. Reason being that I know is comfort and risk of dislodging. Unsure of any other rationale.

Disagree with posters who says it doesn't matter. Yes, you should follow your patients wishes and that is reason enough but we are to here to learn and that doesn't answer the original posters question.

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Specializes in UR, oncology, L&D, IVTherapy.

I had turned SMS off to this site - just tuned in to see if any interesting topics. Quickly have been reminded why I tuned out - such judgmental crap.

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There is a recenty thread in the general nursing discussions about taking bp when neither arm is a good choice. The leg may be the better choice in those situations.

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I had turned SMS off to this site - just tuned in to see if any interesting topics. Quickly have been reminded why I tuned out - such judgmental crap.

hey rmkelly, thanks for nothing. if you don't like the topics, tough. if you're going to be negative, we don't want you here. :down: find something better to do than hating on other ppl

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ya no kidding, judgmental? look what you just wrote!

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