When a cancer patient has a port in their left posterior chest, where would you take their blood pressure?

In the case of a cancer patient with a port placed in their left posterior chest, taking blood pressure in the left arm is contraindicated. The port is typically used for administering chemotherapy and can be located near major veins and arteries. Using that arm can lead to complications, such as disrupting the port, causing discomfort, or introducing infection risk.

The correct action is to measure the blood pressure in the right arm or the lower extremities. This ensures that the patient remains safe and avoids any potential complications that could arise from using the affected arm. In general, when a patient has a vascular access device, the standard practice is to utilize the arm opposite the port or alternative locations for non-invasive measurements. This approach maintains the integrity of the port while allowing for accurate readings of blood pressure.