After the insertion of an arteriovenous graft (AVG) in the right forearm, a 54-year-old patient complains of pain and coldness of the right fingers. Which action should the nurse take?
a. Teach the patient about normal AVG function.
b. Remind the patient to take a daily low-dose aspirin tablet.
c. Report the patient's symptoms to the health care provider.
d. Elevate the patient's arm on pillows to above the heart level.
ANS: C
The patient's complaints suggest the development of distal ischemia (steal syndrome) and may require revision of the AVG. Elevation of the arm above the heart will further decrease perfusion. Pain and coolness are not normal after AVG insertion. Aspirin therapy is not used to maintain grafts.
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