Responses to the questions in the knowledge dimension
| Items | Correct, n (%) | Wrong, n (%) | Unclear, n (%) |
| For the first haemodialysis (HD), a central venous catheter should be chosen instead of fistulas. | 302 (57.85) | 96 (18.39) | 124 (23.75) |
| Know well, n (%) | Partially know, n (%) | Don’t know, n (%) | |
| A correct range of blood pressure and haemoglobin control in blood will help prolong the fistulas’ lifespan. | 313 (59.96) | 140 (26.82) | 69 (13.22) |
| If anticoagulation medication is not taken on time as prescribed by the doctor, it will affect the lifespan of the fistulas to some extent. | 285 (54.6) | 124 (23.75) | 113 (21.65) |
| Excessive compression of the fistulas at the end of haemodialysis can reduce the lifespan of the fistulas to some extent. | 407 (77.97) | 80 (15.33) | 35 (6.7) |
| A weight gain of more than 5% of dry weight during the haemodialysis interval will affect the fistulas’ lifespan. | 331 (63.41) | 108 (20.69) | 83 (15.9) |
| The arm on the side of the fistula should not be used for blood pressure measurement, intravenous infusion and blood collection, heavy lifting or bearing pressure. | 480 (91.95) | 38 (7.28) | 4 (0.77) |
| The vessels of the fistulas should not be used for anything other than haemodialysis and emergency rescue. | 455 (87.16) | 56 (10.73) | 11 (2.11) |
| Daily inspection of the arteriovenous fistulas by the patient/families and at least one palpation or auscultation is an effective measure to detect the possible problems in fistulas promptly. | 432 (82.76) | 72 (13.79) | 18 (3.45) |
| Keeping the skin on the side of the fistula intact and clean, especially by effectively washing the skin before puncture, helps to prevent local skin infections in the fistulas. | 456 (87.36) | 53 (10.15) | 13 (2.49) |
| In case of a fear of or intolerance for punctures, you will inform the healthcare provider to choose another puncture option that suits you. | 398 (76.25) | 87 (16.67) | 37 (7.09) |