In what position should a patient be placed to prevent air embolism during CVC procedures?

The correct choice is the supine position because placing a patient in this position during central venous catheter (CVC) procedures minimizes the risk of air embolism. When patients are supine, the venous system is more favorable for preventing air from entering the bloodstream. This position helps ensure that the catheter entry site is above the level of the heart, allowing any potential air that may enter inadvertently to rise to the heart apex, where it can be recognized and managed more effectively.

This positioning is particularly important because air embolisms can occur if air enters the venous system, which can happen particularly during the placement or removal of central lines if the patient is not positioned correctly. In the supine position, the hydrostatic pressure helps to counter the effects of gravity that could lead to air entering the veins.

Other positions, like standing, seated, or prone, do not provide the same level of safety against air embolism during these procedures. For instance, in a standing or seated position, the potential for air to enter the bloodstream increases, as any air that enters might have a direct path towards the heart due to gravity. Similarly, the prone position would not only contribute to accumulating air in the thoracic space but also makes access to the vein more