Kaplan NCLEX Question of The Day Related

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How can a nurse recognize that a chronic renal failure client's AV shunt is patent?

  • A. Absence of a bruit
  • B. Presence of a thrill
  • C. Blood return from the shunt
  • D. Urine output greater than 30 ml/hr
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct assessment to determine the patency of an AV shunt in a chronic renal failure client is the presence of a thrill. A thrill is a vibration or buzzing sensation felt over the shunt site, indicating good blood flow through the shunt. While the presence of a bruit is also important for assessing an AV shunt, a thrill is a more specific indicator of patency. Blood return from the shunt is related to cannulation and not necessarily an indicator of patency. Urine output greater than 30 ml/hr is not directly related to the assessment of an AV shunt's patency.