Leakage of more than 500 mL of air into a central venous catheter is potentially fatal. An air embolism in the small pulmonary capillaries obstructs blood circulation. A central venous catheter leaks air rapidly at 100 mL/sec. This client requires immediate intervention to prevent further complications (eg, cardiac arrest, death). The nurse should not delay emergency treatment, not even to stop and contact the HCP or the rapid response team (RRT).
Priority interventions for active or suspected air embolism are as follows:
- Clamp the catheter to prevent more air from embolizing into the venous circulation.
- Place the client in Trendelenburg position on the left side, causing any existing air to rise and become trapped in the right atrium.
- Administer oxygen if necessary to relieve dyspnea.
- Notify the HCP or call an RRT to provide further resuscitation measures.
- Stay with the client to provide reassurance and monitoring as the air trapped in the right atrium is slowly absorbed into the bloodstream over the course of a few hours.
Educational objective:
Any delay in treatment of an air embolism could prove fatal. There is no time to call the HCP. Seal off the source of the leak, and ensure stabilization of the air bubble via left lateral positioning.
Leakage of more than 500 mL of air into a central venous catheter is potentially fatal. An air embolism in the small pulmonary capillaries obstructs blood circulation. A central venous catheter leaks air rapidly at 100 mL/sec. This client requires immediate intervention to prevent further complications (eg, cardiac arrest, death). The nurse should not delay emergency treatment, not even to stop and contact the HCP or the rapid response team (RRT).
Priority interventions for active or suspected air embolism are as follows:
- Clamp the catheter to prevent more air from embolizing into the venous circulation.
- Place the client in Trendelenburg position on the left side, causing any existing air to rise and become trapped in the right atrium.
- Administer oxygen if necessary to relieve dyspnea.
- Notify the HCP or call an RRT to provide further resuscitation measures.
- Stay with the client to provide reassurance and monitoring as the air trapped in the right atrium is slowly absorbed into the bloodstream over the course of a few hours.
Educational objective:
Any delay in treatment of an air embolism could prove fatal. There is no time to call the HCP. Seal off the source of the leak, and ensure stabilization of the air bubble via left lateral positioning.
