Question

A patient will need vascular access for hemodialysis. Which statement by the nurse accurately describes an advantage of a fistula over a graft?

A. A fistula is much less likely to clot.
B. A fistula increases patient mobility.
C. A fistula can be used sooner after surgery.
D. A fistula can accommodate larger needles.

Answer 1

A fistula is less prone to clotting, more durable, and has a lower infection rate compared to a graft, making it a preferable vascular access for hemodialysis.

Step-by-step explanation:

When considering vascular access for hemodialysis, a fistula offers several advantages compared to a graft. A significant advantage is that a fistula is much less likely to clot. Fistulas tend to be more durable and have a lower infection rate. They are created by directly joining an artery to a vein, which enhances blood flow and maturation of the vessel. A well-matured fistula provides reliable access for the large gauge needles used during hemodialysis and can lead to improved dialysis efficiency. This contrasts with grafts, which are synthetic tubes implanted to connect an artery to a vein, that may have higher rates of complications such as clots and infections.