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Auscultation for a bruit and palpation for a thrill are standard methods for verifying vascular access prior to dialysis treatments. The presence of a bruit, which is a sound made by turbulent blood flow in the fistula or graft, indicates that the access is patent and functioning properly. Palpating for a thrill, or a vibrating sensation, further confirms the adequacy of blood flow through the vascular access. Both checks are essential steps in assessing the integrity of the access before initiating hemodialysis, ensuring patient safety and treatment efficacy.

Using an ultrasound machine has its benefits, such as visualizing blood flow and assessing venous patency, but it is not the primary method recommended for verifying access immediately before dialysis. Visually inspecting the skin at the access site can indicate condition but does not provide confirmation of blood flow, which is crucial before starting treatment. Measuring blood pressure at the access site is not a standard method for assessing vascular access and would not effectively indicate whether the access is adequate for dialysis.