HEMODIALYSIS/PERITONEAL DIALYSIS questions with correct answers

The client with an external arteriovenous shunt in place for hemodialysis is at risk for bleeding. The priority nurse action would be to: a. Check the shunt for the presence of bruit and thrill. b. Observe the site once as time permits during the shift. c. Check the results of the prothrombin times as they are determined. d. Ensure that small clamps are attached to the arteriovenous shunt dressing. - Answer D An arteriovenous shunt is a less common form of access site but carries a risk for bleeding when it is used because two ends of an external cannula are tunneled subcutaneously into an artery and a vein, and the ends of the cannula are joined. If accidental disconnection occurs, the client could lose blood rapidly. For this reason, small clamps are attached to the dressing that covers the insertion site for use if needed. The shunt site also should be assessed at least every 4 hours. The client being hemodialyzed suddenly becomes short of breath and complains of chest pain. The client is tachycardic, pale, and anxious. The nurse suspects air embolism. The priority action for the nurse is to: a. Discontinue dialysis and notify the physician. b. Monitor vital signs every 15 minutes for the next hour. c. Continue dialysis at a slower rate after checking the lines for air. d. Bolus the client with 500 mL of normal saline to break up the embolus. A - Answer A If the client experiences air embolus during hemodialysis, the nurse should terminate dialysis immediately, notify the physician, and administer oxygen as needed. Options 2, 3, and 4 are incorrect.