Q: A patient with venous air embolization is recommended to be immediately placed into the left lateral decubitus position. In which position, a patient with an arterial air embolism should be placed?


Answer: Supine

Head down positions have the potential to exacerbate the cerebral edema that is typically induced by cerebral air embolism.


Reference:

Moon RE, de Lisle Dear G, Stolp BW. Treatment of decompression illness and latrogenic gas embolism. Respir Care Clin N Am 1999; 5:93.