Final answer:
IV should be shut off for a few minutes before venipuncture to ensure blood sample accuracy and reduce risk of dilution. Specific timing may vary and should align with facility protocols.
Step-by-step explanation:
When performing a venipuncture after an IV (intravenous) infusion, it is typically recommended to shut off the IV for at least a few minutes before collecting blood. This pause allows any fluids from the IV to dissipate from the bloodstream to reduce dilution of the blood sample. However, specific protocols may vary between facilities and should be confirmed with institutional policies.
Precise timing may not always be indicated, but the primary concern is ensuring that the blood sample is not contaminated or diluted by the IV fluids, which could lead to inaccurate laboratory results. Care should be taken to prevent complications such as bloodstream infections, as indicated by the World Health Organization's data on catheter-related infections.