Home › CNA Practice Tests › Basic Nursing Skills Questions › Question 38
Mrs. Kim had a mastectomy on her left side last year. On which arm should the assistant avoid taking blood pressure?
- A.The right arm, opposite the mastectomy side
- B.The left arm, on the side of the mastectomy
- C.Both arms, using a leg cuff instead always
- D.Either arm, because surgery history does not matter
Correct answer
B. The left arm, on the side of the mastectomy
Why
Blood pressure should not be taken on the side of a mastectomy because compression can harm circulation and lymph drainage in that arm. The other arm should be used unless the nurse directs otherwise.
Content outline: Basic Nursing Skills - Vital Signs: Blood Pressure · From the Basic Nursing Skills practice bank (BN-038).