RN Exam Practice
Safety and Infection ControlQuestion 301 of 2368

A client has a dialysis fistula in the left arm. Which action should the nurse take when obtaining a blood pressure?

  1. Use the left arm with a smaller cuff
  2. Use the left arm after the client rests for five minutes
  3. Obtain the blood pressure in an alternative extremity
  4. Delay all blood pressure measurement until the fistula is removed
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Correct answer: Obtain the blood pressure in an alternative extremity

A fistula contraindicates using that arm, so the blood pressure is obtained in an alternative extremity.

Source: Nursing Skills, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Blood Pressure: Inspection. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Safety and Infection Control"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026