If a patient’s temperature is elevated post-hemodialysis, what should the technician do first?

When a patient exhibits an elevated temperature following hemodialysis, the priority is to ensure safe and appropriate clinical care. Notifying the nurse is the correct first step because the nurse is responsible for evaluating the patient's overall condition and determining the cause of the elevated temperature.

The elevation in temperature could indicate an underlying issue, such as an infection or reaction to the dialysis treatment, both of which may require immediate intervention. By informing the nurse, the technician ensures that a proper assessment and subsequent actions—whether it is further monitoring, additional treatments, or medications—are taken based on clinical guidelines and protocols.

Administering medication like Tylenol without the nurse's assessment could lead to overlooking a more serious condition. Similarly, discharging the patient or taking no action may compromise patient safety as these options do not account for potentially significant clinical issues. These rationales highlight why notifying the nurse is the most appropriate and responsible course of action in this situation.