Vascular Access Management Flashcards

What is the minimum acceptable blood flow rate (Qb) recommended for adequate hemodialysis through a permanent access?

Answer: 300–400 mL/min

Effective hemodialysis typically requires blood flow rates of 300–400 mL/min through permanent access to achieve adequate solute clearance.

How long should pressure be held at the cannulation site after needle removal at the end of dialysis?

Answer: 5–10 minutes or until bleeding stops

Pressure should be held for 5–10 minutes or until hemostasis is achieved, as over-compression can occlude the access.

Which laboratory finding would most suggest early AV fistula maturation failure?

Answer: Access blood flow less than 500 mL/min at 6 weeks

An access blood flow below 500 mL/min at six weeks post-creation indicates inadequate fistula maturation and may require intervention or alternative access planning.

A patient with a forearm AV fistula reports hand pain, numbness, and coolness during dialysis. Which complication should the nurse suspect?

Answer: Steal syndrome

Hand pain, numbness, and coolness during dialysis in a patient with an AV fistula are classic signs of steal syndrome, where blood is diverted away from the distal extremity.

What infection prevention measure is MOST important when caring for a central venous catheter (CVC) used for hemodialysis?

Answer: Use strict aseptic technique with mask and sterile gloves during hub access

Strict aseptic technique including mask and sterile gloves during catheter hub manipulation is the most critical measure to prevent catheter-related bloodstream infections.

Which patient education point is essential regarding AV fistula care between dialysis sessions?

Answer: Avoid tight clothing, jewelry, or blood pressure cuffs on the fistula arm

Patients must protect their fistula arm from compression by avoiding tight clothing, jewelry, or blood pressure cuffs, which can impair flow or cause thrombosis.