Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency help for fainting, severe breathing difficulty, uncontrolled bleeding, rapidly worsening abdominal pain, confusion, or a hard and increasingly swollen abdomen.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact your healthcare team promptly if you have:
Fever, chills, or increasing redness around the puncture site
Worsening abdominal pain or swelling
Persistent fluid leakage that soaks repeated dressings
New dizziness, weakness, or reduced urination
Vomiting or difficulty keeping fluids down
These are different from routine soreness and should not wait for a scheduled follow-up.
And for anyone, someone who:
has abdominal pain that is severe, constant, or getting worse
The article also says
For mild tenderness, a small bruise, or questions about the dressing, contact the team during normal hours unless the problem is worsening.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Abdominal tap. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.