What could happen if air enters the patient's bloodstream during an infusion?

When air enters the patient's bloodstream during an infusion, it can lead to serious medical complications such as an air embolism. An air embolism occurs when bubbles of air obstruct blood vessels, potentially blocking the flow of blood to vital organs. This can trigger a range of dangerous symptoms, including chest pain, difficulty breathing, and even loss of consciousness.

In severe cases, it can cause catastrophic outcomes such as stroke or cardiac arrest, which make it a critical concern in medical practice. Therefore, protocols and precautions are in place to minimize the risk of air entering the bloodstream during infusions, highlighting the importance of proper training and technique in handling intravenous equipment. The correct identification of this risk as a serious complication reinforces the need for vigilance in medical procedures involving intravenous therapy.