Air embolism is more common with which type of IV access?

• A. Peripheral IV lines
• B. Intraosseous access
• C. Arterial lines
• D. Central lines

Answer: (D)

Air entering the bloodstream is most likely to happen when a line is connected to the central venous system. Central lines sit in large central veins, and their lumens are often accessed for longer periods, manipulated during care, or opened during insertion and removal. If a line is not properly primed, or a connector comes loose, air can be drawn into the venous circulation, especially with the body’s negative pressure during inspiration. Once air enters a central vein, it has a direct path to the right heart and lungs, making an embolism more likely and potentially more dangerous.

Peripheral IVs involve smaller veins and shorter access, so even if a small amount of air enters, it’s less likely to travel to and affect the central circulation in significant amounts. Intraosseous access and arterial lines can cause air embolism, but they occur less frequently than with central venous catheters.