What is an air embolism?

An air embolism refers to the presence of air bubbles in the bloodstream, specifically in the veins, which can lead to serious complications, including potential cardiac arrest. When air enters the vascular system, it can obstruct blood flow and disturb the normal function of the heart and other organs. This blockage can create pressure and impair circulation, ultimately resulting in life-threatening situations such as respiratory distress or cardiac collapse. Understanding the mechanism of an air embolism is crucial for first responders as timely intervention can be lifesaving.

The other options, while related to health issues, describe different medical conditions: a blockage in an artery refers to conditions like a thrombosis; a type of stroke typically involves blood flow to the brain, and a severe allergic reaction involves the immune response, which is unrelated to air embolisms.