Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Test

What should a nurse aide do upon noticing blood in a patient's IV tubing?

1. Ignore it if the patient seems fine

2. Notify the patient

3. Notify the IV nurse

4. Change the IV tubing

The correct answer is: Notify the IV nurse

When a nurse aide notices blood in a patient's IV tubing, the appropriate action is to notify the IV nurse. This response is crucial because blood in the IV line can signal a potential issue, such as dislodgement of the catheter or irritation of the vein that could lead to complications for the patient. The IV nurse has specialized training and knowledge to assess the situation further, determine the cause, and take necessary action to ensure the patient’s safety. Ignoring the presence of blood, even if the patient appears fine, could lead to significant complications. Additionally, while informing the patient is important for communication and reassurance, it does not address the underlying medical concern effectively. Changing the IV tubing may be necessary eventually, but it is not the immediate course of action; the situation must first be evaluated by the IV nurse to ensure appropriate steps are taken based on the patient’s current condition. Therefore, notifying the IV nurse is the best and most responsible action in this scenario.