What assessment finding supports delaying hemodialysis for a client with an arteriovenous graft?

The presence of an audible bruit at the site of an arteriovenous graft is a crucial indicator of proper blood flow through the graft. The bruit signifies turbulent blood flow, which suggests that the graft is functioning well and has adequate patency. Therefore, when no audible bruit is detected during auscultation, it raises significant concerns about the graft's function. This finding could indicate that the graft may be occluded or not functioning properly, which means that delaying hemodialysis, in this case, may not be prudent.

In clinical practice, a decision to delay hemodialysis would be supported by evidence that the graft is functional, allowing for the continuation of renal replacement therapy as needed. The absence of a bruit, therefore, supports a clinical decision to ensure further assessment and intervention before proceeding with hemodialysis. This focus on the graft's patency is vital to ensure that the patient receives the necessary treatment effectively.

The other findings—such as increased blood pressure, elevated hemoglobin levels, and low platelet count—do not provide the same immediate indication of graft function or its necessity for hemodialysis. While these factors may be relevant to the patient’s overall health and condition management, they do not directly pertain