What is the appropriate action when drawing blood from a patient with an IV?

When drawing blood from a patient with an IV, the appropriate action is to discard the first 5 cc of blood drawn below the IV site. This is because the blood that initially flows from a venipuncture can be contaminated with fluids from the IV, which could include medications or saline that were infused prior to the blood draw. By discarding that initial volume, you help ensure that the sample reflects the patient's true blood composition rather than the infusion fluid.

In this context, it's important to recognize that drawing blood directly from the IV line would not be appropriate unless specifically indicated and permitted based on protocols for that particular IV setup, as it might not yield a sample representative of the patient's blood and could lead to inaccurate lab results. Drifting away from the IV site is also crucial; while drawing blood above the IV site can sometimes be acceptable, it isn't always a foolproof solution as it may not eliminate the risk of contamination entirely, depending on the situation. Shutting off the IV infusion for an extended period is not practical or universally recommended, as it may disrupt patient care or lead to other complications.