Vascular Accesses

Question 1

3 vascular accesses

Answer 1

Fistula
Graft
Catheter

Question 2

Fistula

Answer 2

The patients vein is surgically connected to one of his arteries. Less complications due to using the patients own vessels. Lasts a lot longer.

Question 3

Graft:

Answer 3

Artificial tubing connected on one end to a patients vein and the other end to the artery. Prone to more infection because it is artificial.

Question 4

Catheter:

Answer 4

To been implemented usually in patient’s chest. One end goes directly into the heart while the other end exits the body. Very prone to infection.

Question 5

Infection:

Answer 5

Redness, warmth, drainage. Avoid cannulating in or near this area as it can result in sepsis. Make sure you are prepping the site inside to out in a circular motion, patient should be washing his access prior to coming into his station.

Question 6

Aneurysms/psuedoaneurysms:

Answer 6

Enlarged weakened areas of internal accesses. Can result from repeatedly cannulating in the same area. Avoid this by rotating site. Avoid cannulating an aneurysm or a pseudoaneurysm. These can rupture causing patient to bleed out.

Question 7

Thrombosis:

Answer 7

Considered a clouded access. No bruit/no thrill. This can occur as a result of blood for decreased blood flow through the excess can be caused by a number things such as excessive pressure on the access due to tight clothing, holding both sites at the same time post treatment, using clamps to hold site after treatment, sleeping on access arm, using BP on access arm.

Question 8

Infiltration:

Answer 8

When blood escapes from the blood vessel into the surrounding tissue. This can occur when the needle slips out of the access or goes through the other side the access. Or if that’s a new fistula and it blows due to excessive BF pressure. If the infiltration occurs during treatment, stop the pump to avoid worsening the infiltration. Treat with intermittent ice for 24 hours.

Question 9

Note***

Answer 9

When choosing a site to cannulate, remember to rotate sites, needle tip should be 1 to 2 inches apart and stay at least one it’s away from the animal. Prep site with alcohol in the circular motion. If you touch after cleanse it is considered contaminated. During treatment, All accesses and blood lines must be monitored at least every 30 minutes. It is my mandatory that accesses remain uncovered at all times.