Vascular Access and Cannulation Flashcards

What minimum needle gauge is required to achieve blood flow rates of 400-500 mL/min during hemodialysis?

Answer: 16-17 gauge

16-17 gauge needles are standard for hemodialysis to allow blood flow rates of 300-500 mL/min without excessive hemolysis or pressure.

When assessing a newly placed AV graft, how long should the technician typically wait before the first cannulation?

Answer: 2-3 weeks

AV grafts typically require 2-3 weeks of healing before first cannulation to allow incorporation and reduce risk of hematoma or infection.

Dialysis steal syndrome occurs when:

Answer: Too much blood flows through the access, reducing distal limb perfusion

Steal syndrome occurs when arterial blood is diverted preferentially into the AVF/graft, reducing perfusion to the hand and causing ischemia.

After removing hemodialysis needles, how long should manual pressure typically be held to achieve hemostasis on an AVF?

Answer: 5-15 minutes

Manual pressure of 5-15 minutes is typically required after needle removal from an AVF to achieve adequate hemostasis without compromising the access.

Which finding on physical examination of a central venous catheter (CVC) exit site requires immediate intervention?

Answer: Purulent drainage, redness, and warmth at exit site

Purulent drainage with redness and warmth at a CVC exit site indicates infection requiring immediate evaluation, culture, and likely catheter removal.

The 'rope ladder' technique of AVF cannulation involves:

Answer: Rotating needle sites along the entire length of the fistula

The rope ladder technique distributes needle insertions evenly along the entire fistula length, preventing aneurysm formation at any single site.