What is an air embolism?

An air embolism occurs when air bubbles enter the vascular circulation, which can obstruct blood flow and lead to serious complications. This condition typically arises during medical procedures, such as surgery, where there is an open space or when certain injuries create a pathway for air to enter the veins or arteries.

When air enters the bloodstream, it can cause bubbles to form, which may travel to critical areas, including the heart, lungs, or brain, leading to conditions like stroke or respiratory distress. In addition to surgical contexts, air embolisms can occur in other situations such as diving accidents, where rapid ascent causes nitrogen to expand and form bubbles in the bloodstream. Awareness of the potential for air embolisms is crucial for preventing these life-threatening events in clinical practice.

The other options refer to distinct medical conditions: a blood clot in the arteries specifically denotes a thrombosis, while an infection in the bloodstream refers to sepsis, and a buildup of fluid in the lungs is associated with pulmonary edema. Each of these figures in their own right does not relate to the introduction of air into the vascular system, which is the hallmark of an air embolism.