A patient is scheduled to have an arteriovenous (AV) fistula created for hemodialysis. Which education should the nurse provide regarding this fistula? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected

Question

Select all that apply. 1. The opposite arm should be used for blood pressure readings.
2. A functioning fistula has a palpable pulse and bruit.
3. The health care provider should be contacted if the hand is cool and painful.
4. The fistula can be used immediately after its creation.
5. Venipunctures should be performed on the arm with the fistula.

Answer 1

1,2
Rationale 1: The arm in which a fistula is placed should not be used for blood pressure, and that arm should be marked as not available for this purpose.
Rationale 2: A functional AV fistula has a palpable pulse and a bruit on auscultation.
Rationale 3: Arterial insufficiency may result from arterial steal syndrome.
Rationale 4: It takes about a month for the fistula to mature.
Rationale 5: The arm in which a fistula is placed should not be used for venipuncture, and that arm should be marked as not available for this purpose.