If you walk into a patient's room and notice the IV has run dry and is clotted, what should you do first?

When you enter a patient's room and observe that the IV has run dry and is clotted, the priority is to ensure that the patient receives the necessary fluids or medications without further delay. Restarting the IV in another vein is the most appropriate action to take first because it allows for immediate access to the vascular system, which is crucial for ongoing patient care.

In this situation, starting a new IV in a different vein helps avoid complications associated with the clotted line, such as potential thrombus formation or complications related to the existing IV site. It also ensures that the patient can receive necessary treatments without interruption, maintaining their safety and wellbeing.

Other options may lead to delays in care or added complications. For instance, calling the physician immediately can be necessary at some point, but it does not address the immediate need for IV access. Similarly, restarting the IV in the same vein is not advisable as it can lead to continued issues with clotting, and notifying the nursing supervisor, while important for significant problems, does not resolve the pressing need for IV access. Thus, establishing a new IV line in another vein is a prompt and solution-oriented approach to the issue at hand.