What crucial action must be taken when a blood alarm sounds?

When a blood alarm sounds during dialysis, the priority is to address the underlying issue causing the alarm related to blood movement. This action is critical because the alarm indicates a potential problem that could jeopardize the patient's safety or affect the effectiveness of the treatment. The alarm may signal issues such as a blood leak, a clot in the access, or changes in blood flow rates. By quickly fixing the issue, the dialysis process can continue safely and effectively.

While other options may seem relevant in some contexts, they do not address the immediate concern following a blood alarm. Stopping blood flow or increasing saline could be appropriate responses only after assessing the problem. Notifying the patient is important, but it does not resolve the alarm situation; the focus should be on rectifying the cause of the alarm first. Therefore, taking action to resolve the blood movement issue is the most crucial step to ensure patient safety and effective treatment during dialysis.