Critical Care Nursing Questions Related

Review Critical Care Nursing Questions related questions and content

The patient has just returned from having an arteriovenous fistula placed. The patient asks, “When will they be able to use this and take this other catheter out?” The nurse should reply,

  • A. “It can be used immediately, so the catheter can come out anytime.”
  • B. “It will take 2 to 4 weeks to heal before it can be used.”
  • C. “The fistula will be usable in about 4 to 6 weeks.”
  • D. “The fistula was made using graft material, so it depends on the manufacturer.”
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: “The fistula will be usable in about 4 to 6 weeks.” The rationale for this is that an arteriovenous fistula typically requires 4 to 6 weeks to mature and be ready for use. During this time, the fistula develops the necessary blood flow for efficient dialysis.

Choice A is incorrect because immediate use of the fistula is not recommended as it needs time to mature. Choice B is incorrect as it underestimates the time needed for the fistula to heal and mature. Choice D is incorrect as the usability of the fistula is not dependent on the manufacturer but rather on the patient's individual healing process.