RE: Blood pressures in pts with PICC and post mastectomy

[Fritz, Donna]

I think one issue with the automatic BP cuffs is the pressure to which they inflate.  This may be much higher than needed for a patient with a normal BP or one that is having other problems, such as severe thrombocytopenia.  Saw a patient with a band of bruising around her arm from auto BP machine which inflated to about 175, when her systolic was about 110.  A manual one inflated only to what is needed would be desirable. Donna Fritz, MN, RN, OCN Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist The Reverend Roger Patrick Dorcy Cancer Center St. Mary-Corwin Medical  Center 719.560-5215 [EMAIL PROTECTED] -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of Halle Utter Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2006 9:59 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Blood pressures in pts with PICC and post mastectomy What is the general consensus in taking BP's in pts who are breast cancer pts with lymphedema and a PICC in the other arm?  Especially very obese patients or where legs aren't an option for one reason or another?  ie amputees, peripheral vascular disease, wounds, drains, or whatever?  Do you feel it is ever acceptable to take in the forearm on the PICC side, as in at the wrist?  I don't mean a constant q15minutes automatic device, but a once a shift frequency?  I have been ask this by CNA's on the floors, and wanted feedback from this group.  Thanks in advance.   Halle Utter, RN, BSN Intravenous Care, INC   ***************************************************************************** This communication is for the use of the intended recipient only. It may contain information that is privileged and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient of this communication, any disclosure, copying, further distribution or use thereof is prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please advise me by return e-mail or by telephone and delete/destroy it. *****************************************************************************