What should NOT be done when troubleshooting inadequate blood flow?

When troubleshooting inadequate blood flow, it is important to avoid actions that could cause harm or worsen the situation. Stripping the needle line with a hemostat is a procedure that can create significant problems, such as causing trauma to the blood vessels or damaging the equipment, potentially leading to clotting in the line. Using a hemostat in this manner may restrict the flow even further or risk puncturing the line, which could lead to a more serious event like a blood leak.

In contrast, other troubleshooting steps, like repositioning the donor's arm, adjusting the flow rate, or checking for kinks in the line, are safe and effective strategies to identify and resolve issues with blood flow. These methods focus on optimizing the donor's position and ensuring that the equipment is functioning as intended without risking injury or further complications.