If you get blood in the syringe upon aspiration, what should you do?

When blood appears in the syringe upon aspiration, it indicates that the needle has entered a blood vessel. The appropriate action in this situation is to remove the syringe and apply pressure to the site. This helps prevent any potential bleeding from the punctured vessel and is important for maintaining patient safety.

Inserting the needle into a blood vessel unintentionally can lead to complications such as hematoma formation or excessive bleeding, which is why applying pressure is essential. This technique stabilizes the blood vessel and minimizes the risks associated with the inadvertent aspiration of blood.

The other choices do not adequately address the safety and management of the situation. For example, leaving the syringe in place would not stop any bleeding and could lead to further complications. Reconnecting the syringe after removal would also be counterproductive and could result in the introduction of contaminants. Changing the needle without addressing the issue of blood in the syringe fails to acknowledge the need to manage the aspiration properly. Thus, removing the syringe and applying pressure is the most appropriate and safe response.