A nurse is caring for a client who is at risk for shock. Which of the following findings is the earliest indicator that this complication is developing?

Choice A: Cold and numb sensation distal to the fistula site is a possible indication of venous insufficiency. Venous insufficiency is a condition in which the veins have difficulty returning blood from the limbs to the heart, resulting in blood pooling and reduced perfusion. A new arteriovenous fistula can cause increased blood flow through the artery and decreased blood flow through the vein, leading to venous insufficiency. This can manifest as coldness, numbness, tingling, or cyanosis in the fingers or hand below the fistula site.

Choice B: A raised red rash around the fistula site is not a possible indication of venous insufficiency. A raised red rash around the fistula site can indicate an allergic reaction, an infection, or an inflammation of the skin or subcutaneous tissue. The nurse should assess the rash for size, shape, color, texture, temperature, and drainage, and report any signs of infection or inflammation, such as fever, pus, or swelling.

Choice C: Pain in the right arm proximal to the fistula site is not a possible indication of venous insufficiency. Pain in the right arm proximal to the fistula site can indicate arterial insufficiency, which is a condition in which the arteries have difficulty delivering oxygen-rich blood to the tissues, resulting in ischemia and necrosis. Arterial insufficiency can be caused by atherosclerosis, thrombosis, embolism, or vasospasm. The nurse should assess the pain for location, intensity, duration, frequency, and quality, and report any signs of ischemia or necrosis, such as pallor, coolness, weak pulses, or ulceration.

Choice D: Foul-smelling drainage from the fistula site is not a possible indication of venous insufficiency. Foul-smelling drainage from the fistula site can indicate an infection of the fistula or surrounding tissue. The nurse should assess the drainage for color, odor, amount, and consistency, and report any signs of infection or sepsis, such as fever, chills, malaise, or hypotension.

Choice a) is incorrect because nausea is not a common manifestation of ARF. Nausea is a sensation of discomfort in the stomach that may or may not lead to vomiting. Nausea can be caused by many other conditions, such as gastroenteritis, motion sickness, or pregnancy.

Choice b) is correct because severe dyspnea is a common manifestation of ARF. Dyspnea is a subjective feeling of difficulty or discomfort in breathing. Severe dyspnea indicates that the client is not getting enough oxygen and may have low blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia) or high carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia).

Choice c) is correct because headache is a common manifestation of ARF. Headache is a pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. Headache can be caused by high carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia), which can affect the blood vessels and nerves in the brain.

Choice d) is correct because a decreased level of consciousness is a common manifestation of ARF. Level of consciousness is a measure of how alert and oriented a person is. A decreased level of consciousness can be caused by low blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia), high carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia), or acid-base imbalance, which can affect brain function and mental status.

Choice e) is correct because hypotension is a common manifestation of ARF. Hypotension is a condition in which the blood pressure is lower than normal. Hypotension can be caused by low blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia), which can impair heart function and reduce cardiac output.