How to treat if air embolism is suspected during catheter placement
When air embolism is suspected (usually when a sucking sound during patient inspiration is heard through a catheter at the time of placement or if inadvertent injection of air through a catheter occurs), the patient should immediately be placed in the left lateral decubitus position (i.e., left side down) to keep the air trapped in the right heart chambers, supplemental oxygen should be administered, and vital signs should be monitored.
