NCLEX RN Physiological Adaptation Related

Review NCLEX RN Physiological Adaptation related questions and content

The nurse creates a care plan for a client receiving hemodialysis through an arteriovenous (AV) fistula in the right arm. The nurse includes which interventions in the plan to protect the AV fistula from injury? Select all that apply.

  • A. Assess pulses and circulation proximal to the fistula.
  • B. Palpate for thrills and auscultate for a bruit every 4 hours.
  • C. Check for bleeding and infection at hemodialysis needle insertion sites.
  • D. Avoid taking blood pressure or performing venipunctures in the extremity.
  • E. Instruct the client not to carry heavy objects or anything that compresses the extremity.
  • F. Instruct the client not to sleep in a position that places her or his body weight on top of the extremity.
Correct Answer: B,C,D,E,F

Rationale: An AV fistula is an internal anastomosis of an artery to a vein and is used as an access for hemodialysis. The nurse should implement the following to protect the fistula: palpate for thrills and auscultate for a bruit every 4 hours, check for bleeding and infection at hemodialysis needle insertion sites, avoid taking blood pressures or performing venipunctures in the extremity, instruct the client not to carry heavy objects or anything that compresses the extremity, instruct the client not to sleep in a position that places the body weight on top of the extremity, and the nurse should assess pulses and circulation distal to the fistula.