Reevaluating Arm Precautions: Evidence-Based Practice for Post-Mastectomy and Post-Lumpectomy Patients in Critical Care

Reevaluating Arm Precautions: Evidence-Based Practice for Post-Mastectomy and Post-Lumpectomy Patients in Critical Care

Mallory Palmer BSN, RN, MaineHealth

Description

In critically ill post-mastectomy and post-lumpectomy patients, how does allowing intravenous (IV) access in the ipsilateral arm compared to maintaining traditional arm precautions (avoiding IVs, blood draws, and blood pressure on the affected side) affect the incidence of lymphedema, infection, or other complications during hospitalization or critical care stay?