Manitoba Nephrology Nurse Practice Test

Creating vascular access prior to starting dialysis treatment is essential for patients with end-stage renal disease or severe chronic kidney disease. Establishing reliable and adequate vascular access ensures that the patient can receive dialysis therapy efficiently when it is needed. Typically, vascular access options include arteriovenous (AV) fistulas, AV grafts, or central venous catheters, each of which requires time for healing and maturation, especially in the case of AV fistulas. If access is created too close to the initiation of dialysis, it may not be mature enough to provide the flow rates necessary for effective treatment.

Initiating the vascular access process well in advance allows for proper planning and reduces the risk of complications associated with emergency access methods, such as temporary catheters. This proactive approach contributes to better patient outcomes and a smoother start to dialysis therapy.