Which assessment is essential to evaluate AV graft function beyond detecting a thrill?

• A. Auscultate for bruit.
• B. Check blood pressure in the leg.
• C. Measure bilirubin levels.
• D. Monitor serum calcium.

Answer: (A)

Assessing AV graft function hinges on evaluating both the palpable thrill and the audible bruit. The thrill confirms that flow exists through the graft, but listening for a bruit over the graft site provides information about the patency and quality of flow across the anastomosis. A normal, continuous bruit suggests the graft is patent and functioning; a diminished or absent bruit raises concern for stenosis or impending occlusion, signaling a need for further evaluation or intervention. The other options don’t reflect graft patency: leg blood pressure isn’t a measure of an arm graft’s function, and bilirubin or calcium levels don’t indicate patency or flow in the vascular access.