Why should BP not be taken on an arm with an intravenous line or left-arm dialysis access?

• A. Causes discomfort
• B. The IV/shunt can affect readings and pose safety concerns, risk infiltration, and inaccuracy
• C. It saves time
• D. It improves readings

Answer: (B)

To protect vascular access and ensure accurate readings, avoid taking blood pressure on an arm that has an intravenous line or a left-arm dialysis access. The cuff’s pressure can push against an IV line, risking infiltration, dislodgement, or other complications, and it can distort the reading because the presence of fluids and the local edema around the line can alter the measurement. For dialysis access, the fistula or graft is a delicate, high‑flow connection; applying the cuff can compress or injure it, raise the risk of damage or thrombosis, and also yield unreliable BP values due to altered blood flow in that arm. The safer approach is to use the opposite arm whenever possible.