Final answer:
In the care of patients with an AV fistula or graft, it's crucial to monitor for infection signs, such as warmth, redness, and fever, and to assess for patency option (a) by checking for a thrill and bruit. The AV fistula or graft should not be used for other intravenous accesses to prevent damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Care of Patients with AV Fistula or Graft:
When caring for a patient with an arteriovenous (AV) fistula or graft, it is vital to monitor for signs of infection and assess the patency of the fistula or graft. The correct answer to the student’s question is a. Monitor for signs of infection and assess patency.
Monitoring for signs of an infection includes checking the site for warmth, redness, and swelling, as well as monitoring the patient’s temperature for a fever. Assessing patency involves feeling for a “thrill” (a vibration caused by blood flow within the fistula) and listening for a “bruit” (a whooshing sound) with a stethoscope. This ensures that the fistula or graft is open and functioning correctly. It is important to avoid using the AV fistula or graft for other intravenous accesses unless specifically indicated, to reduce the risk of damaging the fistula or graft.