Is it safe for my sister to be taking my blood pressure 5 straight times in the same arm?

Question

My sister is learning to becoming a nurse and I am her "Guinea Pig". She likes to practice and she takes my blood pressure 5, 6 and sometimes 7 times in a row on the same arm. could my arm or body be harmed in any way by this?

Answer 1

Well, she most likely isn't getting a continuous accurate reading. It is good to let her practice, (we had to do it SO much when I was in school) and it shouldn't affect your arm, however if you start notice a decrease in feeling, I would suggest you stop for awhile! Also, why don't you switch up arms? I wish I would have practiced not only on the upper arm but the lower arm, because sometimes that's the last resort and we have to take it there too! Good Luck!

But just think about people that are in the hospital that have to get their blood pressures taken very often, and those in ICU often get them taken every 20 minutes or so in the same spot, and it doesn't affect them

Answer 2

I have a few nursing friends and am often their guinea pig as well.  I am in the field of heath sciences and am fine with the repeated blood pressure tests.  Your arm will let you know if it needs O2, it will become VERY painful probably with the pins and needles sensation when the tissue is lacking O2.  As long as it doesn't start hurting you should be fine.  If she is taking a long time trying to hear and your arm starts to hurt and tingle have her stop and try again after a minute.  

But as long as there is a little break in between each check and you don't feel pain there shouldn't be an issue.  

Just wait until she gets to needles and needs to practice injections, that's when it really gets interesting ;)

Answer 3

It is perfectly safe. How nice of you to help your sister by letting her practice on you.

Answer 4

As long as your arm does not turn blue and go numb you have nothing to worry about.