If a patient reports unusual feelings in their fistula arm after sleeping on it, what complication should be assessed?

The correct answer reflects the concern that sleeping on a fistula arm can lead to thrombosis due to compression of blood flow. When a patient sleeps on their arm with a fistula, it may cause pressure that disrupts the normal flow of blood through the fistula. This can lead to clot formation, or thrombosis, if blood flow is significantly compromised.

During hemodialysis, maintaining proper blood flow through the fistula is crucial for effective treatment. If thrombosis occurs, it can not only affect the effectiveness of dialysis but may also require medical interventions to restore patency. Symptoms such as unusual feelings in the fistula arm, for instance, tingling or numbness, may be indications of compromised blood flow due to such complications.

Assessing for thrombosis is important because it is a preventable complication that can greatly impact the patient's care and lead to more serious issues if not addressed promptly. By evaluating the status of the fistula, the clinician can take necessary actions to prevent further complications associated with poor blood flow.