Physical examination: how to examine the arm with arteriovenous fistula.
Physical examination has demonstrated its effectiveness in identifying complications of arteriovenous fistula (AVF). It should be initiated at the stage prior to the construction of the AVF and continue in its accomplishment, maturation, and subsequent use in the treatment of hemodialysis. Nurses should incorporate the physical examination in their practices, in order to preserve the vascular net of patients and assist in the recognition of complications of AVF. It is intended to describe aspects of the physical examination that enable the identification of the AVF complications including: infection, accessory veins, venous stenosis, steal syndrome, high-output cardiac failure, and venous hypertension.
Escola Superior Enfermagem do Porto, Porto, Portugal. clementesousa@esenf.pt
Clemente Neves
CN
Sousa
João Luís
JL
Apóstolo
Maria Henriqueta
MH
Figueiredo
Maria Manuela
MM
Martins
Vanessa Filipa
VF
Dias
D001132:Arm / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000601:surgery; D001166:Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000628:therapy; D010808:Physical Examination; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000379:methods*; D014654:Vascular Patency