Question

5 of 50
the nurse is assessing the patency of a clients left arm arteriovenous fistula prior to initiating hemodialysis. which finding indicates that the fistula is patent?
answer options
1 palpation of a thrill over the fistula
2 presence of a radial pulse in the left wrist
3 visualization of enlarged blood vessels at the fistula site
4 capillary refill less than 3 seconds in the nail beds of the fingers on the left hand
rationale, strategy, reference, tip

Explanation:

A patent arteriovenous fistula has turbulent blood - flow which can be felt as a thrill on palpation. A radial pulse in the left wrist (2) indicates circulation in the radial artery but not specifically fistula patency. Visualization of enlarged blood vessels (3) may be present but is not the most definitive sign. Capillary refill (4) assesses peripheral perfusion, not fistula patency.

Answer:

1. Palpation of a thrill over the fistula