What is the appropriate immediate action when a dialysis machine alarms for a potential blood leak?

• A. Continue treatment and monitor
• B. Notify supervisor only
• C. Stop treatment, inspect the circuit for leaks and ensure patient safety
• D. Reset the machine and resume treatment

Answer: (C)

When a dialysis machine alarms for a potential blood leak, the immediate priority is patient safety because a leak can mean a compromised dialyzer membrane or a leak in the blood circuit, risking significant blood loss and exposure to contaminants. The correct action is to stop treatment right away, secure the circuit, and inspect for leaks. This means stopping the blood pump, clamping the arterial and venous lines, and visually checking all connections and the dialyzer housing for signs of leakage. If a leak is found, do not resume treatment; replace the circuit and/or dialyzer and reassess the patient’s condition. Continuing the treatment or resetting the machine would not address the leak and could worsen the risk to the patient.