The nurse caring for a client with a central line accidentally infuses an air embolism. Which is the highest-priority action of the nurse?

Question

1. Notifying the health care provider
2. Notifying the charge nurse
3. Assessing the client
4. Positioning the client in left Trendelenburg and applying oxygen

Answer 1

4
Rationale 1: Notifying the health care provider can be done later.
Rationale 2: Notifying the charge nurse can be done later.
Rationale 3: The client can be assessed after intervening actions are completed.
Rationale 4: Lowering the head of the bed increases intrathoracic pressure, decreasing the flow of air into the vein during inhalation. A left side-lying position helps prevent air from moving into the pulmonary artery. Oxygen helps to hyperoxygenate the tissues if the air embolism reduces blood flow to the tissues.
Global Rationale: Lowering the head of the bed increases intrathoracic pressure, decreasing the flow of air into the vein during inhalation. A left side-lying position helps prevent air from moving into the pulmonary artery. Oxygen helps to hyperoxygenate the tissues if the air embolism reduces blood flow to the tissues. Once interventions are applied the client can be assessed. Then the charge nurse and health care provider can be notified.