Final answer:
Blood should be drawn from an alternative site away from the IV line, commonly the opposite arm, to prevent contamination and maintain sample integrity.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a patient has an intravenous (IV) line in the right hand, blood should be drawn from a different site to prevent contamination of the sample with IV fluids and to avoid complications at the IV site. A common practice is to draw blood from the opposite arm or another suitable vein that is free from the IV line. It is essential to ensure that the selected site is far enough from the IV to prevent any mixing with the fluids being infused, which could alter the blood test results. For instance, if the IV line is in the right hand, blood can typically be drawn from the left arm, if accessible. In cases where the other arm cannot be used, a distal site on the same arm, away from the IV, might be considered. Trained healthcare professionals should carefully select the venipuncture site to ensure sample integrity and patient safety.