Question

Before putting a blood pressure cuff on a patient's left arm, PCT notices a shunt under the patient's skin. Which of the following actions should the PCT take first?

A) Apply the blood pressure cuff above the shunt
B) Apply the blood pressure cuff below the shunt
C) Avoid using the blood pressure cuff on that arm
D) Remove the shunt before applying the cuff

Answer 1

The PCT should avoid using the blood pressure cuff on the arm with a shunt to prevent damage and ensure accurate readings, instead using the other arm or another site for measuring blood pressure.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a blood pressure cuff is used on a patient with a shunt in their arm, which is an access point commonly used for hemodialysis, the Patient Care Technician (PCT) should take particular care. The correct action for the PCT would be to avoid using the blood pressure cuff on that arm. The presence of the shunt means the arm's normal circulation has been surgically altered, and applying a blood pressure cuff could damage the shunt or give inaccurate readings. Instead, the PCT should use the opposite arm or another suitable location to measure the patient's blood pressure.