Which finding indicates there might be complications preventing the AV fistula from being used?

Which finding indicates there might be complications preventing the AV fistula from being used?

• A. The client reports the AV fistula site is uncomfortable and painful.
• B. The skin over the AV fistula site is bulging and appears shiny.
• C. When the nurse touches the AV fistula, no buzzing is felt.
• D. All of the above.

Answer: (D)

An AV fistula should feel and sound like a steady flow of blood being arterial-venous shunted: a palpable thrill and an audible bruit indicate good patency. When any problem is present, use may be compromised. Pain at the fistula site can signal infection, inflammation, or infiltration of the catheter-like access. Skin that bulges and appears shiny over the fistula suggests underlying vascular stress such as an aneurysm or skin breakdown from high-pressure venous flow. No buzzing (no thrill) when touched points to absent or severely reduced blood flow, often due to thrombosis or occlusion of the fistula. When these findings appear together or individually, they raise strong concern that the fistula may not be usable for dialysis. Hence, all of the above are red flags indicating a complication that could prevent use.

An AV fistula should feel and sound like a steady flow of blood being arterial-venous shunted: a palpable thrill and an audible bruit indicate good patency. When any problem is present, use may be compromised. Pain at the fistula site can signal infection, inflammation, or infiltration of the catheter-like access. Skin that bulges and appears shiny over the fistula suggests underlying vascular stress such as an aneurysm or skin breakdown from high-pressure venous flow. No buzzing (no thrill) when touched points to absent or severely reduced blood flow, often due to thrombosis or occlusion of the fistula. When these findings appear together or individually, they raise strong concern that the fistula may not be usable for dialysis. Hence, all of the above are red flags indicating a complication that could prevent use.