Which positioning technique may help if an air embolism is suspected?

When an air embolism is suspected, positioning the patient on their left side in the Trendelenburg position is a critical intervention. This technique utilizes gravity to help prevent the air bubble from moving into the pulmonary circulation, which could lead to severe cardiovascular complications. By lying on the left side, any air emboli that may have entered the venous system are more likely to remain in the right atrium and not travel into the right ventricle or pulmonary artery, where they could cause significant obstruction.

The Trendelenburg position, which involves tilting the bed or surface so that the patient’s head is lower than their feet, further enhances venous return and tends to keep the air embolism trapped in the right atrium, thereby reducing the risk of serious complications. This combination makes it the most effective and recommended approach for managing a suspected air embolism.

Other positioning techniques do not provide the same benefits in this situation. For instance, lying supine does not help in relocating the air embolus away from critical areas of circulation. Fowler's position, which is more upright, could facilitate the movement of air towards the lungs, exacerbating the risk of pulmonary complications. Similarly, positioning on the right side in Trendelenburg may inadvertently allow air to