Final answer:
For a venous air embolism, the Trendelenburg position with the left side down is the appropriate maneuver, helping to prevent air from entering the pulmonary artery by trapping it in the right ventricle.
Step-by-step explanation:
The proper maneuver for treating a venous air embolism is the Trendelenburg position with the left side down. This position helps to trap air in the apex of the right ventricle, preventing it from entering the pulmonary artery and causing further complications. The left lateral decubitus position (also referred to as Durant's maneuver) utilizes gravity to assist in keeping air from moving through the right outflow tract to the lungs.
An air embolism, also known as a gas embolism, is a blood vessel blockage caused by one or more bubbles of air or other gas in the circulatory system. Air can be introduced into the circulation during surgical procedures, lung over-expansion injury, decompression, and a few other causes. In flora, air embolisms may also occur in the xylem of vascular plants, especially when suffering from water stress.