A nurse is caring for a client 2 days after surgical creation of an arteriovenous fistula in the forearm. Which finding should the nurse report immediately to the health care provider?

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11ecbb05_ca8b_9af1_b433_af53e6178d5f_MD0009_00 Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a permanent hemodialysis access surgically created by connecting an artery to a vein, typically in the forearm or upper arm. This anastomosis diverts arterial blood into the vein, which increases intravenous blood flow and causes the vein to thicken and expand (ie, "mature"). The matured AVF can then sustain frequent access by large-bore needles during hemodialysis. Arterial steal syndrome is an AVF complication that occurs when the anastomosed vein "steals" too much arterial blood, causing distal extremity ischemia. Symptoms occur distal to the AVF, including skin pallor, pain, numbness, tingling, diminished pulses, and poor capillary refill. Without prompt intervention, ischemia may lead to limb necrosis (Option C). (Option A) After AVF creation, edema may occur due to venous congestion but typically improves spontaneously. Extremity elevation helps reduce edema. Severe or prolonged edema (eg, >2 weeks) could indicate venous hypertension that may require surgery to prevent AVF failure. (Option B) A loud swooshing sound (ie, bruit) auscultated over the AVF is expected due to turbulent blood flow at the arteriovenous anastomosis. (Option D) Hand-grip exercises (eg, ball squeezing, hand flexing) are encouraged after AVF creation to promote fistula maturation. Postoperative surgical site pain is expected; however, pain distal to the AVF may indicate tissue ischemia. Educational objective: Arterial steal syndrome is a complication of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation that impairs distal extremity perfusion and may result in tissue ischemia and necrosis. Symptoms include skin pallor, pain, numbness, tingling, diminished pulses, and poor capillary refill distal to the AVF.

A Nurse Is Caring for a Client 2 Days After