PART II

TESTS AND MEASURES

BLOOD PRESSURE ASSESSMENT

SPHYGMOMANOMETER
Concerns for sphygmomanometer use relate to circulatory occlusion in select patients and the possibility of crosscontamination from the cuff.

Issue

Cross-contamination from
sphygmomanometer
cu
IV sitesabove
Shunts on upper arm

Lymphedemaon
involved limb

LOC

Sources

Al

Rationale/Comment

Complication

Myers, 1978

Avoid
Avoid

Pierson & Fairchild, 20022

PT

No

Lasinski, 20033

PT

In a 21-week longitudinal study of special care nurseries by Myers, a nosocomial

infection rate of 21% was associated with blood pressure cus used by all
infants with 46 of 248 infants at risk acquiring 52 infections.
Avoid applying a blood pressure cu above the infusion site.
Blood pressure measurements taken on the extremity with a shunt in kidney patients.
Application of any occlusive item, such as a blood pressure cu or restraint, to the upper
arm of the extremity containing the shunt should be avoided.
If measurements are taken on the involved limb, circulation may be compromised.

Part II Tests and Measures

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Part II Tests and Measures

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REFERENCES
1. Myers MG: Longitudinal evaluation of neonatal nosocomial infections: association of infection with a blood pressure cuff. Pediatrics
61(1):42-45, 1978.
2. Pierson FM, Fairchild SL: Principles & techniques of patient care, ed 3. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders, 2002.
3. Lasinski B: The lymphatic system. In Goodman, Boissonnault WG, Fuller KS, eds: Pathology: Implications for the physical therapist.
Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders, 2003.

ELECTRODIAGNOSTIC TESTING

2.1 Electrical Evaluation Tests

OVERVIEW. Nelson1 identies four CIs for all traditional electrical evaluation tests, including reaction of degeneration,
strength-duration curve and chronaxie, galvanic twitch-tetanus ratio, nerve excitability nerve conduction, evoked potentials, and electromyography (Also see EMG).
O00O99 PREGNANCY, CHILDBIRTH, AND PUERPERIUM
Issue

LOC

Source

Al

Rationale/Comment

Pregnancyover abdomen

CI

Nelson, 19921,a

PT

The eects of ES on developing fetus and on pregnant uterus have not been determined.

a, Should not be applied.