The patient on hemodialysis: self care with the arteriovenous fistula

Resumo

The objective of this research was to learn about the self care of patients on hemodialysis with the arteriovenous fi stula (AVF).It is a descriptive study with qualitative approach, made on a hemodialysis clinic in Fortaleza – CE (Unique Health System- SUS). 15 patients were observed, 9 men and 6 women. The data was organized and analyzed through the Thematic Categorical Analysis. From the manifested contents such categories came up: knowing the participating subjects, patient’s knowledge over AVF matter and the cares of the patient with the AVF. The results revealed patients with a defi cit of knowledge about the making and functioning of the AVF as well as knowledge about care with the patient with the AVF.