Critical Care Nursing Questions and Answers PDF Related

Review Critical Care Nursing Questions and Answers PDF related questions and content

The nurse is assessing a patient with a new arteriovenous fistula, but does not hear a bruit or feel a thrill. Pulses distal to the fistula are not palpable. The nurse should

  • A. reassess the patient in an hour.
  • B. raise the arm above the level of the patient’s heart.
  • C. notify the provider immediately.
  • D. apply warm packs to the fistula site and reassess.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: notify the provider immediately. The absence of bruit, thrill, and palpable distal pulses in a new arteriovenous fistula suggests potential complications like thrombosis or stenosis, requiring urgent intervention. Notifying the provider promptly allows for timely assessment and appropriate management to prevent further complications.

Summary:
A: Reassessing the patient in an hour may delay necessary intervention for a potentially serious issue.
B: Raising the arm above the level of the patient’s heart does not address the underlying problem and may not improve the situation.
D: Applying warm packs to the fistula site is not the appropriate intervention for the absence of bruit and thrill and may not address the underlying cause.