Question

A client with chronic kidney disease has an arteriovenous (AV) fistula in the left forearm. Which observation by the nurse indicates that the fistula is patent?

a. distended tortuous veins in the left hand
b. auscultation of the thrill in the left forearm
c. the left radial pulse is 2+ bounding
d. assessment of bruit on the left forearm

Answer 1

Assessment of bruit on the left forearm is the observation that indicates the arteriovenous (AV) fistula is patent.

Step-by-step explanation:

The observation by the nurse that indicates the arteriovenous (AV) fistula is patent is assessment of bruit on the left forearm. A bruit is a swishing sound that can be heard with a stethoscope over an AV fistula or graft. It indicates that blood flow is present and moving through the fistula.