EMBOLISM, AIR, IN THE NEWBORN

Course overview

An air embolism (AE) is a rare but life-threatening event in which tiny air bubbles in arteries or veins block blood flow to organs. AE in the neonate, also called systemic air emboli, most commonly occurs in the veins when ambient air enters the vascular system through open vessels, due to surgical or other medical procedures. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of air embolism in the newborn, its clinical presentation, symptoms, and treatment and to aid in caring for the patient with this diagnosis. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.