Introduction: For hemodialysis treatment, the patient needs good vascular access. An
arteriovenous fistula is an artificial connection between an artery and a vein, usually formed on
the forearm. After the completed healing and maturation phase, it represents the most suitable
approach for hemodialysis, as it is safe, has a low complication rate and allows for long-term
use. Nevertheless, arteriovenous fistula-related complications can occur. The nurse must
therefore master the nursing and care of arteriovenous fistula, recognize complications and
measures when they occur. Purpose: The purpose of the thesis is to describe the characteristics
of nursing care in a patient undergoing hemodialysis treatment with an arteriovenous fistula.
Methods: We used the descriptive method of work and made a review of domestic and foreign
literature. Literature was searched in Science Direct, Google Scholar, PubMed and COBISS
databases using keywords. We analysed the articles according to the relevance of the title,
summary and full text, and presented the results tabularly and schematically. Results: A
functional arteriovenous fistula is the main determinant of successful hemodialysis. Knowledge
of possible complications contributes to timely detection and enables measures to be taken to
prevent adverse consequences. The nurse must know the immediate, early, and late
complications. Immediate complications include hematoma, hemorrhage, edema, ischemic site
syndrome, and acute thrombosis. Early complications include stricture, thrombosis, infection,
venous hypertension, central venous stenosis, ischemic site syndrome, and AVF immaturity.
Late complications include aneurysm, stricture, late thrombosis, infection, and neuropathy.
Discussion and conclusion: The care of a patient with arteriovenous fistula is extensive and
requires a large amount of specific knowledge of the nurse. The nurse is part of a
multidisciplinary team and is the member who spends the most time in contact with the patient,
thus not only providing him with arteriovenous fistula care, but also in a position to build a
trusting relationship with him, teach him self-care and provide him with psychological support.
A nurse must have adequate training and experience to successfully care for an arteriovenous
fistula.
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