When caring for a patient with a left arm arteriovenous fistula, ...

[magmichele12]

When caring for a patient with a left arm arteriovenous fistula, which action will the nurse include in the plan of care to maintain the patency of the fistula?
 
  a. Auscultate for a bruit at the fistula site.
  b. Assess the quality of the left radial pulse.
  c. Compare blood pressures in the left and right arms.
  d. Irrigate the fistula site with saline every 8 to 12 hours.

Question 2

A 37-year-old female patient is hospitalized with acute kidney injury (AKI). Which information will be most useful to the nurse in evaluating improvement in kidney function?
 
  a. Urine volume
  b. Creatinine level
  c. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
  d. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level

[ApricotDream]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
The presence of a thrill and bruit indicates adequate blood flow through the fistula. Pulse rate and quality are not good indicators of fistula patency. Blood pressures should never be obtained on the arm with a fistula. Irrigation of the fistula might damage the fistula, and typically only dialysis staff would access the fistula.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
GFR is the preferred method for evaluating kidney function. BUN levels can fluctuate based on factors such as fluid volume status and protein intake. Urine output can be normal or high in patients with AKI and does not accurately reflect kidney function. Creatinine alone is not an accurate reflection of renal function.