Safety and Infection ControlQuestion 740 of 2368
After an IV bag change, a client suddenly has shortness of breath, hypotension, and a feeling of impending doom. After occluding the source of air entry, how should the nurse position the client?
- Trendelenburg position on the right side
- Trendelenburg position on the left side
- High Fowler's position
- Supine with the legs flat
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Correct answer: Trendelenburg position on the left side
These signs suggest an air embolism. The nurse places the client in Trendelenburg on the left side if not contraindicated.
Source: Nursing Advanced Skills (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Initiate IV Therapy: Monitoring for Potential Complications. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Safety and Infection Control"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026