Blood pressure measurement in an arteriovenous fistula arm
Blood pressure measurement with a cuff on the hemodialysis arteriovenous fistula (AVF) access arm is not recommended because access-arm protection is advised during vascular access care. [1-3]
Safety consideration
Dialysis-access patient education materials advise avoiding blood pressure cuffs on the access arm. [1-3]
Recommended approach for routine measurements
- Blood pressure should be measured on the non-access arm. [2,3]
- If the non-access arm cannot be used, alternative-site measurement strategies should be used per the clinical setting rather than using the AVF arm cuff. [2]
Practical implementation
When an AVF is present, routine care should document the access arm and specify that blood pressure cuffs should be avoided on that limb. [1-3]
Clinical nuance
The specific instruction is tied to a functioning hemodialysis AVF used for vascular access care. [1-3]
Potential harms prompting avoidance
Avoiding cuff inflation over the AVF is part of vascular access protection guidance given to patients. [1-3]