Reduction of Risk PotentialQuestion 1874 of 2368
A client with a central line suddenly develops dyspnea, continuous coughing, and chest pain. The nurse finds a hub open to air. How should the nurse position the client?
- On the left side with the head down
- On the right side with the head elevated
- Supine with the legs elevated and the arm overhead
- Sitting upright in a high Fowler position
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Correct answer: On the left side with the head down
An air embolism is managed with high-flow oxygen and a left-side, head-down position. This is also done after closing the open hub.
Source: Nursing Advanced Skills (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Manage Central Lines: Potential Complications and Unexpected Outcomes of CVADs. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Reduction of Risk Potential"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026