taking blood pressure on side with paralysis?

[beatrice1]

I hope this doesn't sound like a dumb question but... Can you take blood pressure on the arm on side that has paralysis from stroke? I normally would just go to the other arm but this woman had a picc line on that side. I haven't had to take her blood pressure yet, she is a new patient and I haven't had her yet, but I eventually will. :)

I am assuming her pulse and blood flow is still normal in that arm. Also, can she be positioned on that side? She is on continuous tube feed and always elevated 45* Her bottom is getting sore and she needs to be repositioned frequently.

Thanks for your help

Bea

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

You can get a thigh cuff. It's unusual but it can be done. I had a PICC line and the nurses used that arm for blood pressures because I had lymphedema and cellulitis in the other.Your best bet is to get an order from the doctor.

[paddler]

It can be done without causing harm to the patient, but the BP result would be erroneous due to compromised nerve and circulation function in the CVA arm. I would go for an ankle.