Final answer:
COLT is an acronym that stands for the immediate response to an air embolism, with each letter representing a step to remember. These steps include clamping the tubing, operating with the patient in a left lateral Trendelenburg position, lowering the head of the bed, and turning the patient onto their left side.
Step-by-step explanation:
COLT is an acronym that stands for the immediate response to an air embolism. Each letter in the acronym represents a step to remember. Here is what each letter stands for:
- C: Clamp the tubing. This means that the tubing through which the air has entered the bloodstream should be clamped as soon as an air embolism is suspected.
- O: Operate with the patient in a left lateral Trendelenburg position. This means that the patient should be placed on their left side with the head lower than the body.
- L: Lower the head of the bed. This means that the head of the patient's bed should be lowered to help prevent the air bubble from reaching the brain.
- T: Turn the patient onto their left side. This means that the patient should be placed on their left side to further prevent the air bubble from reaching the brain.