What should a nurse do if they suspect an air embolism during IV therapy?

If a nurse suspects an air embolism during intravenous therapy, the appropriate course of action is to stop the infusion and seek immediate assistance. This is critical because an air embolism, which involves air bubbles entering the vascular system, can lead to serious complications, including stroke, heart attack, or even death. Prompt recognition and intervention are essential to minimize potential harm.

Stopping the infusion prevents further air from being introduced into the bloodstream, and seeking immediate assistance ensures that the patient receives the necessary care, which may include positioning the patient appropriately (such as placing them on their left side) to help reduce the risk of air traveling to the brain or heart.

Additionally, while monitoring vital signs is important and may be part of the ongoing assessment, it does not address the immediate danger posed by the air embolism. Changing the IV site may not be effective if air has already entered the system, and continuing the infusion, even at a slower rate, would only exacerbate the situation by potentially allowing more air to enter the bloodstream. Therefore, stopping the infusion and getting help is the correct and most responsible action in this scenario.