When measuring blood pressure in a patient with a limb injury, which approach is recommended if possible?

• A. Use a leg cuff only
• B. Use the uninjured arm if possible; otherwise follow protocol and choose an appropriate site or device
• C. Use the neck for a cuff
• D. Do not measure blood pressure

Answer: (B)

Measuring blood pressure on a limb that isn’t injured helps ensure an accurate reading and avoids worsening the injury. If the uninjured arm is available, use it for the cuff because this provides the most reliable data with the simplest technique. If you can’t use that arm due to injury, splinting, IV lines, or other restrictions, follow your protocol and choose an appropriate alternative site or device. Using a neck cuff or trying to measure BP in a severely injured limb is not standard practice and can yield unreliable results or risk harm. Do not skip the measurement; adapt with an approved alternate site or device as needed.