Dialysis Technician Practice Exam

Why should you rotate needle sites on a fistula?

1. To ensure even blood flow

2. To prevent aneurysms

3. To make the procedure faster

4. To reduce pain during insertion

The correct answer is: To prevent aneurysms

Rotating needle sites on a fistula is crucial for preventing complications such as aneurysms. When needles are placed in the same location repeatedly, it can lead to localized trauma and vascular changes, ultimately increasing the risk of developing an aneurysm—a dilation of the vessel at the puncture site. Regularly changing the sites distributes the stress on the tissue and helps maintain the health and functionality of the fistula over time. While ensuring even blood flow, making the procedure faster, and reducing pain can all be beneficial aspects of good technique, they don’t directly address the long-term health of the vascular access. Preventing aneurysms is essential to keep the fistula functional for dialysis and to lessen the potential for further complications that could arise from an unhealthy fistula.