Final answer:
After a surgical procedure to create an arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis, the nurse should monitor pain, bleeding, swelling, circulation, and check for audible bruit and palpable thrill at the fistula site.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a client with end-stage kidney disease undergoes a surgical procedure to create an arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis in the upper extremity, the nurse should take several actions when the client returns from surgery. These actions include:
- Monitoring pain and administering analgesics: It is important to assess the client's pain level and manage it effectively with appropriate analgesics.
- Monitoring bleeding and swelling at the site: The nurse should regularly assess the surgical site for any signs of bleeding or swelling, which may indicate complications.
- Monitoring for circulation above the fistula site: The nurse should assess the circulation above the fistula site to ensure proper blood flow and detect any signs of compromised circulation.
- Measuring the blood pressure in the arm every hour may not be necessary unless specifically ordered by the healthcare provider.
- Checking for audible bruit and palpable thrill at the fistula site: The nurse should assess for the presence of an audible bruit (a humming sound) and a palpable thrill (a vibration) at the fistula site, which indicate that the fistula is functioning properly.