Vascular Access Flashcards
6 cards from real CCHT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Vascular Access flashcards as text
What is the rope ladder cannulation technique, and what is its primary advantage for arteriovenous fistulas?
Answer: Rotating needle insertion sites along the entire fistula length to distribute vessel trauma and prevent aneurysm formation
The rope ladder technique rotates cannulation sites along the entire available fistula length, distributing wear and preventing repeated trauma that leads to aneurysm formation.
What is the minimum maturation time typically required before a new arteriovenous fistula should be used for dialysis?
Answer: 4 to 6 weeks minimum; ideally 3 to 4 months for optimal maturation
AVF maturation requires 4 to 6 weeks minimum (ideally 3 to 4 months) for the vein to dilate, wall thicken, and blood flow increase sufficiently for reliable cannulation.
A patient with a forearm AVF complains of pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand during dialysis treatments. The hand is cold and pale. What complication is most likely occurring?
Answer: Distal access ischemia (steal syndrome) requiring surgical evaluation
Cold, pale, painful hand during dialysis with AVF is characteristic of steal syndrome, where the high-flow fistula diverts blood away from the hand.
Which of the following best describes the function of the outflow vein in an arteriovenous graft (AVG)?
Answer: The outflow vein carries high-pressure arterial blood away from the graft anastomosis toward the heart
The outflow vein carries blood from the venous graft anastomosis toward the heart; it receives high-pressure arterial flow and is the most common site of stenosis in AVGs.
What is the appropriate gauge needle to use for hemodialysis cannulation in standard adult patients?
Answer: 15 to 17 gauge needles are standard for most adult hemodialysis patients
15 to 17 gauge needles are the standard size for hemodialysis, large enough to achieve prescribed blood flow rates (300 to 500 mL/min) without excessive negative pressure.
When caring for a patient with a tunneled central venous catheter (TCC) used for hemodialysis, what is the primary advantage of the tunneled design over a non-tunneled catheter?
Answer: The subcutaneous tunnel and Dacron cuff reduce infection risk by creating a physical barrier to bacterial migration
The subcutaneous tunnel creates a barrier that bacteria must traverse to reach the bloodstream, and the Dacron cuff stimulates tissue ingrowth that further seals the tunnel.