What should be done if there are signs of clotting at the access site?

When there are signs of clotting at the access site, notifying the healthcare team is essential. This action ensures that a qualified professional can evaluate the situation and address potential complications that may arise from clotting. Clotting can lead to issues such as impaired blood flow, which can compromise patient safety and the effectiveness of treatment. A healthcare provider can implement appropriate interventions, such as adjusting the treatment plan, administering medications to help dissolve the clot, or performing additional assessments to investigate the cause of the clotting.

Applying heat could potentially exacerbate issues, and using a tourniquet risks restricting circulation, possibly leading to further complications. Ignoring the signs would pose significant risks to the patient's health and should never be an option. Therefore, the best practice is to promptly communicate the situation to the healthcare team for the necessary medical intervention.