What is the purpose of monitoring both the bruit and thrill in an internal access?

Monitoring both the bruit and thrill in an internal access, such as a fistula or graft for dialysis, serves the critical purpose of ensuring patency and maintaining good blood flow. The presence of a bruit, which is a sound heard over the access site, indicates that blood is flowing through the vessel, while the thrill, a vibrating sensation felt upon palpation, confirms that the blood flow is strong and not compromised.

For effective dialysis treatment, adequate blood flow is essential. Monitoring both of these signs helps healthcare providers detect any potential issues, such as stenosis or occlusion, that could impede blood flow and affect the efficiency of the dialysis process. In maintaining patient safety and optimal treatment outcomes, recognizing and addressing any abnormalities in these assessments is crucial.

While monitoring nerve function, evaluating dialysis effectiveness, or detecting infections are important aspects of patient care, they do not specifically relate to the immediate assessment of blood flow and access site viability, which is the core focus of observing the bruit and thrill.