The nurse is assessing a patient with this type of device in the arm. For what should the nurse assess this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The device in the arm in the provided image appears to be a dialysis shunt or access. The nurse should assess for the presence of a bruit upon auscultation, which is the sound of blood flowing through the shunt. This indicates adequate blood flow through the shunt and patency of the access for dialysis. A thrill may also be palpable upon inspection, but the best assessment would be to listen to the sound (bruit) of the shunt upon auscultation. Palpation may not provide adequate information about the shunt's patency.

The Nurse Is Assessing a Patient with This Type of Device