During a dialysis treatment, if the venous needle infiltrates, what is the first action the technician should take?

• A. Stop the blood pump
• B. Reinsert the needle
• C. Notify the physician
• D. Clamp the arterial line

Answer: (A)

When a venous needle infiltrates, stop the blood pump immediately. Halting the flow right away prevents more blood from being forced into the surrounding tissue, reduces the risk of a large hematoma, and limits further tissue injury. After stopping flow, secure the site with firm pressure to control bleeding, assess the extent of infiltration, and decide on the next steps (such as repositioning or replacing the needle and continuing with a fresh vascular access as needed). Notifying the physician can come after the flow is stopped and the site is stabilized, and actions like reinserting the needle or clamping the arterial line do not address the infiltration and could worsen the situation.