Vascular Access Management Flashcards
6 cards from real CHT 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 Management flashcards as text
What is 'access recirculation' in hemodialysis?
Answer: Cleaned blood being re-drawn into the arterial needle before returning to the body
Access recirculation occurs when dialyzed blood returning from the venous needle is immediately re-drawn into the arterial needle, reducing treatment efficiency.
Which sign indicates that a patient may be experiencing steal syndrome from an AV access?
Answer: Pain, pallor, and coldness of the hand distal to the access
Steal syndrome causes ischemia distal to the AV access, presenting as hand pain, pallor, paresthesia, and coldness due to blood being 'stolen' from the distal circulation.
What is the recommended minimum length of maturation time for a new AV fistula before first cannulation?
Answer: 4–6 weeks
KDOQI guidelines recommend waiting at least 4–6 weeks after fistula creation before cannulation to allow adequate maturation.
Infiltration of an AV graft during cannulation requires which immediate action?
Answer: Remove the needle, apply pressure, and assess the site
Upon infiltration, the needle must be removed immediately and firm pressure applied to limit hematoma formation.
What is the 'rule of 6s' used to assess AV fistula maturity?
Answer: Diameter >6 mm, depth 600 mL/min
The 'rule of 6s' states a fistula is ready when it has diameter >6 mm, depth 600 mL/min.
Which is the correct technique for removing needles from an AV access after hemodialysis?
Answer: Remove the venous needle first, then the arterial needle
The venous needle is removed first to prevent blood from being pumped through the arterial needle into a clamped circuit, then the arterial needle is removed.