When applying a pneumatic intermittent compression device to an extremity, which pressure limit should not be exceeded?

• A. Resting heart rate
• B. Diastolic blood pressure
• C. Systolic blood pressure
• D. Difference between diastolic and systolic blood pressure

Answer: (B)

The key idea is to set intermittent pneumatic compression pressures below the limb’s arterial diastolic pressure to avoid impeding arterial inflow. If the cuff inflates to a pressure that approaches or exceeds diastolic blood pressure, arterial flow can be transiently occluded during diastole, risking ischemia in the distal tissues. By staying below diastolic pressure, you promote venous return and edema reduction while keeping arterial perfusion intact. Resting heart rate isn’t the limiting factor for this device, and while keeping pressures well below systolic is prudent, the safety threshold clinicians focus on is not exceeding the diastolic pressure. The difference between diastolic and systolic pressures isn’t used as a limit either.