What is the recommended action when drawing blood from a patient with IV fluids?

The recommended action when drawing blood from a patient with IV fluids is to avoid the IV site altogether. This practice is crucial because drawing blood from an area that is actively receiving intravenous fluids can lead to contamination of the blood sample. The fluids can dilute the blood, alter its composition, and potentially affect laboratory results.

Additionally, accessing a vein that is already being utilized for IV therapy could introduce substances from the IV line into the drawn sample, compromising the integrity of the blood sample. It is essential to collect the blood from a different puncture site, preferably in a vein that is not involved in the IV infusion, to ensure accurate and reliable test results.

In practice, healthcare providers often identify a separate venous access point for drawing blood, thus preserving the accuracy of diagnostic assessments while also minimizing potential complications related to the existing IV line.