Which of the following can be a sign of a dialysis patient's access dysfunction?

Decreased blood flow rate can indeed be a sign of access dysfunction in dialysis patients. The vascular access, whether it be a fistula, graft, or catheter, serves as the crucial pathway through which blood is drawn and returned to the patient during hemodialysis. If there is a dysfunction present, such as clotting, stenosis (narrowing), or other issues, it can lead to reduced efficiency in blood circulation during the procedure.

When the blood flow rate decreases, it can also result in inadequate dialysis, affecting the patient’s ability to effectively remove waste products and fluid from their blood. Monitoring blood flow rates is essential for assessing the functional status of the dialysis access and ensuring that the treatment is effective and safe.

On the other hand, increased blood pressure, heightened appetite, and improved urine output are generally not indicators of access dysfunction. For instance, elevated blood pressure could stem from various factors unrelated to the access itself and might not reflect its functionality. Similarly, heightened appetite and improved urine output are generally associated with better overall health status or kidney function rather than with access issues.