Taking BP on pt. with pacemaker

my dad has a pacemaker and always checks his own BP, no issues with it.

No issues that I know of. we do it where I work.

I've never had issues using the left arm either. We didn't avoid the left arm even when I worked on a cardiac unit.

Cat_LPN said:

I've heard both sides, that it is NOT OK, and some say that it is. (I do not recall learning about this in school, although I do avoid the left arm if pt does have a pacemaker, I guess instinctively). Is it still evidence-based to restrict taking BP's on the left arm with a pacemaker on the left side? I cannot find anything online regarding this.. I want to know what nurses here have to say

Evidence-based? I don't think it ever has been an evidence-based precaution. There is nothing anywhere near the left arm to avoid.

When I worked cardiac, I only avoided the left arm if it was a fresh implant, simply because the left chest is already tender, and those automatic cuffs can squeeze like the dickens. Probably makes no difference, but I felt better.

Nothing taught a out that back in paramedic school either, and they are seriously into detailed cardiac-related issues.

I've never had a problem taking a blood pressure with someone who has a pacemaker. If it makes you feel more comfortable to do the other arm, then go for it. When I go into a patient's room I always make sure that there isn't a sign or something in the chart that specifically says do not take BPs, IVs, ect on this arm.

roser13 said:

Evidence-based? I don't think it ever has been an evidence-based precaution. There is nothing anywhere near the left arm to avoid.

I didn't think so. I was just asking since 2 people I work with thought I was crazy for not having heard of it before. I was worried I'd missed something really important somehow! Guess it was never evidence based!

I wonder where these nurses ever learned that now. Seems to me the consensus is 'no', that there is no known harm to do so. I honestly couldn't think of any myself, but that doesn't always mean anything since I'm a new nurse

Virgo_RN said:

When I worked cardiac, I only avoided the left arm if it was a fresh implant, simply because the left chest is already tender, and those automatic cuffs can squeeze like the dickens. Probably makes no difference, but I felt better.

+1 and a couple more characters to reach the minimum message length

what P_RN said

since 82 no issues