The nurse is assessing a patient with a new arteriovenous fistula,but does not hear a bruit or feel a thrill.Pulses distal to the fistula are not palpable.The nurse should

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Inadequate collateral circulation past the fistula or graft may result in loss of this pulse.The physician is notified immediately if no bruit is auscultated,no thrill is palpated,or the distal pulse is absent.Loss of bruit and thrill indicate a loss of blood flow,most likely due to clotting.The patient will need to return to surgery as soon as possible for declotting.Raising the arm above the level of the heart will not help.Warm packs may or may not help.

The Nurse Is Assessing a Patient with a New Arteriovenous