# AI tells a nurse to 'just let the air bubble pass' when an IV line has visible air, ignoring air embolism risk

- **ID:** `medical/iv-line-air-embolism`
- **Domain:** medical
- **Category:** system_error
- **Error Code:** `IV_AIR_EMBOLISM`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 94%

## Root Cause

Air bubbles > 0.5 mL in IV lines can cause venous air embolism, leading to pulmonary obstruction, cardiac arrest, or stroke if air enters arterial circulation via patent foramen ovale.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| iv_pump_firmware_7.4 | active | — | — |
| infusion_set_standard_2023 | active | — | — |
| central_line_kit_v2 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **If air is in IV tubing: clamp line immediately, disconnect from patient, prime new tubing using aseptic technique, and reconnect. For central lines: place patient in Trendelenburg position (head down) to trap air in right atrium.** (95% success)
   ```
   If air is in IV tubing: clamp line immediately, disconnect from patient, prime new tubing using aseptic technique, and reconnect. For central lines: place patient in Trendelenburg position (head down) to trap air in right atrium.
   ```
2. **Use in-line air detectors on infusion pumps: set alarm threshold to 0.1 mL. Example pump setting: `Air Detector: ON, Threshold: 0.1 mL, Action: STOP infusion`** (92% success)
   ```
   Use in-line air detectors on infusion pumps: set alarm threshold to 0.1 mL. Example pump setting: `Air Detector: ON, Threshold: 0.1 mL, Action: STOP infusion`
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Nurse believes small bubbles dissolve in blood harmlessly; but rapid infusion or central lines make even small bubbles dangerous (80% fail)
- **** — Nurse thinks tapping the drip chamber will clear all air without disconnecting (60% fail)