A patient with a central venous catheter shows signs that could indicate air embolism. Which symptom would be most concerning?

• A. Sudden chest pain and shortness of breath
• B. Mild headache
• C. Ringing in ears
• D. Nausea

Answer: (A)

When air enters the venous system from a central venous catheter, it can travel to the right side of the heart and then into the pulmonary arteries, where it obstructs blood flow and impairs oxygen delivery. This creates a situation where the heart and lungs can fail to meet the body's demands. The most concerning sign is sudden chest pain with shortness of breath because it directly indicates acute pulmonary involvement and potential cardiovascular instability. It signals that air is causing a rapid, life-threatening disruption in gas exchange and circulation.

Mild headache, tinnitus, or nausea can occur with various conditions and may reflect less immediate disturbances, so they don’t point to the same urgent pulmonary compromise as the chest pain with dyspnea.