What should a PCT do if they notice air in the bloodlines during dialysis?

If a Patient Care Technician (PCT) observes air in the bloodlines during dialysis, the appropriate action is to alert the nurse immediately. Air in the bloodlines can pose a significant risk to the patient, potentially leading to complications such as air embolism, which can have serious consequences. By notifying the nurse, the PCT ensures that the situation is assessed and managed by a qualified healthcare professional who can take the necessary steps to safely address the issue.

In this situation, ignoring the presence of air in the bloodlines would be highly inappropriate, as it could endanger the patient's safety. Attempting to remove the air themselves is also not recommended, as PCTs are not typically trained to perform such interventions independently, and improper handling could exacerbate the situation. Lowering the blood flow rate may not effectively resolve the presence of air and could delay necessary treatment, making it an inadequate response to the issue at hand.