In a patient with a shunt in the left arm, where should blood pressure be taken?

In patients with a shunt in one arm, it’s crucial to avoid measuring blood pressure in that arm to prevent any complications or inaccuracies. A shunt, typically used for dialysis, can alter hemodynamics and may result in false readings if pressure is taken from that arm. This is because the presence of the shunt can change blood flow patterns and could potentially lead to injury or damage to the vascular access.

Therefore, it's advisable to measure blood pressure in the opposite arm—the right arm, in this case—to ensure an accurate assessment of blood pressure. This practice helps safeguard the integrity of the shunt while also providing reliable and precise blood pressure measurements that reflect the patient's true cardiovascular status.

Measuring in both arms may provide comparative data, but in this scenario, one arm is compromised due to the shunt, making it best to use the unaffected arm. Measuring in the legs is generally not indicated for routine blood pressure assessment unless specific conditions necessitate it.