A 23-year-old client scuba diver is admitted in the hospital due to sudden respiratory distress and cyanosis. Treatment for air embolism is initiated. When planning care for this client, the nurse understands that the air embolism may have occurred due to:
Explanation
Answer: C - Scuba divers are susceptible to air embolism due to exposure to high atmospheric pressure. At high pressures, nitrogen that cannot be absorbed is pushed into the bloodstream, resulting in air embolism. The client with air embolism would manifest signs of acute respiratory distress, occurring with cyanosis, jugular vein distention, and coma.
