Final answer:
Segmental pressure measurements are invasive and are not performed unless necessary during surgery or in intensive care. Contraindications include skin infections, severe peripheral arterial disease, and blood clotting disorders.
Step-by-step explanation:
Segmental pressure measurements are invasive procedures and are generally not performed on patients unless they are undergoing surgery or are in intensive care. These measurements involve the insertion of catheters into various parts of the body, including major veins, heart chambers, arteries to the brain, and the lungs to obtain pressure readings. Such procedures are avoided in patients who are not in critical condition due to the associated risks of invasion, such as infection, bleeding, or vascular injury.
There are specific contraindications for performing segmental pressure measurements, such as skin infections at the site of catheter insertion, severe peripheral arterial disease that prevents placement of a cuff or catheter, and patients with a history of blood clotting disorders that could be exacerbated by the procedure. Additionally, these measurements are avoided in patients who have a low benefit-to-risk ratio, for instance, when the information obtained would not significantly alter patient management or outcomes.