Topic: kidney and urologic diseases (ku)
Title: Value of a Team Approach to Monitoring.
Author: Banerjee, S.; Easom, A.; Wright, C.F.
Source: Nephrology News & Issues. 22(6): 34-36. May 2008.
Abstract: This article discusses the use of a team approach to the monitoring required for patients who have arteriovenous (AV) fistulae for hemodialysis vascular access. This team is usually composed of dialysis nurses, a vascular access coordinator, nephrologists, interventionalists, and the surgeon who placed the fistula. The authors review suggested methods of surveillance and the diagnostic techniques that can add valuable information to monitoring efforts. The authors maintain that the examination and surveillance techniques they describe can reduce the incidence of complete access thrombosis, a disruptive complication that can be disturbing for the patient. Incorporating these methods into routine dialysis care can increase access survival and thus reduce hospital days, missed treatments, and catheter use. A chart summarizes the clues of an access failure, the recommended physical examination of the access, the periodic surveillance tools to use, how to handle suspected access malfunction, stenosis or thrombosis, and the interventions for salvage of the access. 1 figure. 14 references.

Format: Journal Article
Language: English.
Major Keywords: Kidney Diseases. Hemodialysis. Vascular Access. Complications. Patient Care Team. Monitoring. Quality of Care.
Minor Keywords: Diagnostic Tests. Symptoms. Delivery of Health Care. Nursing Care. Nurses. Ambulatory Care Facilities. Postoperative Care. Ultrasound. Thrombosis. Stenosis.
Publication Number: KUJA11837
Return to Search Results