Arteriovenous fistula/ graft haemorrhage

Question 1

What are AV fistula/grafts

Answer 1

-types of vascular access used primarily for haemodialysis
-haemorrhage can cause significant blood loss

Question 2

AV fistula

Answer 2

-surgical connection between artery and vein usually in arm
-causes more blood to flow through the vein making it larger and stronger so the vein can be repeatedly used for dialysis

Question 3

AV graft

Answer 3

-synthetic tube to connect artery to vein serving as a bridge
-provides immediate access without need for vein maturation

Question 4

Risk factors and causes

Answer 4

-weakness
-infection
-trauma
-site appears altered
-non healing wound
-prolonged bleeding
-growing aneurysms
-thin skin over site
-other skin integrity issues

Question 5

Treatment and management

Answer 5

-apply direct pressure- place inverted bottle cap over site and apply pressure
-tourniquets not recommended as poor application can increase bleeding
-don’t use absorbent dressings as not enough pressure
-if bleeding stopped on your arrival don’t remove bandage
-must be conveyed to hospital