During an IV line with suspected air embolism, what is the first step to take?

• A. Clamp the line, position patient on left side in Trendelenburg, give oxygen.
• B. Open the line fully and increase flow.
• C. Turn the patient on the right side.
• D. Ignore.

Answer: (A)

Air embolism from an IV line is an emergency. The first priority is to stop more air from entering, so clamping the line immediately is essential. After that, positioning the patient on the left side with the head-down (Trendelenburg) helps trap any circulating air in the right atrium and prevents it from moving into the pulmonary circulation. Providing high-flow oxygen speeds bubble resorption and improves tissue oxygenation. Opening the line would introduce more air, turning the patient on the right side can push air toward the lungs, and ignoring the situation is dangerous.