Which action will the nurse include in the plan of care to maintain the patency of a patient's left arm arteriovenous fistula?

A. Compare blood pressures in the left and right arms: Blood pressure should never be measured in the arm with an arteriovenous fistula because the pressure from the cuff can damage the access site and compromise patency. B. Assess the quality of the left radial pulse: While radial pulse assessment provides information about peripheral circulation, it does not specifically evaluate fistula function. The patency of a fistula is best assessed directly at the site rather than by distal pulses. C. Auscultate for a bruit at the fistula site: The presence of a bruit, along with palpating a thrill, is the most reliable way to confirm that the arteriovenous fistula is patent and functioning. Regular assessment helps detect complications such as thrombosis or stenosis. D. Irrigate the fistula site with saline every 8 to 12 hours: Irrigating or flushing the fistula is not an appropriate nursing action. Invasive manipulation can damage the site, increase infection risk, and jeopardize vascular access, which is essential for hemodialysis treatment.