Which issue may indicate a problem with IV therapy?

The indication that blood is moving up the IV tubing is significant and raises immediate concern. This could suggest a potential issue with the IV access, such as an empty IV bag, the IV site being above the level of the heart, or even a possible needle dislodgement from the vein. The presence of blood in the tubing typically points to a negative pressure that could occur when the IV line is not functioning properly or there is a backflow, which can lead to complications like infiltration or phlebitis.

In contrast, increased heart rate may be a natural response to various factors, including pain, anxiety, or even fluid deficits, and does not necessarily point specifically to a problem with the IV therapy itself. Stable blood pressure indicates that the patient is not experiencing a crisis at that moment, and clear IV fluids indicate that they are free of particulate matter or discoloration, signaling that the fluids themselves are appropriate for use. However, they do not provide information about the functioning of the IV line. Therefore, the movement of blood in the IV tubing is a clear indicator of a potential malfunction requiring immediate assessment and intervention.