You notice a patient's IV line has pulled out of the arm and blood is on the bed. What should you do first?

Question

Accepted Answer

Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth and notify the nurse. Applying direct pressure with a clean cloth to control bleeding and immediately notifying the nurse is the correct first response. A CNA cannot reinsert IV lines (A)—this is a nursing task. Changing linens (C) should be done after reporting and the nurse's assessment. Only nurses and designated personnel can document IV complications in the chart (D). The priority is preventing further injury and informing the nurse of a medical complication.