Final answer:
The potential complication of incorrectly primed IV tubing is an air embolism, where trapped air enters the circulatory system and could lead to blockage of blood flow, similar to the severe risks associated with pulmonary embolism.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the IV tubing is not primed correctly, the potential complication that could arise is an air embolism. When IV tubing is meant to be primed, the goal is to remove air from the tubing to ensure that only the intended fluids are administered to the patient. If priming is not done properly, air can enter the circulatory system, potentially traveling to and obstructing blood vessels, which can be life-threatening if it blocks blood flow to critical areas in the body such as the brain, heart, or lungs.
An air embolism can lead to severe consequences similar to those observed with other types of embolism, such as a pulmonary embolism (PE), which occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs and causes a blockage. This can result in lung damage and, in severe cases, death due to disruption of pulmonary circulation, emphasizing the importance of proper IV tubing preparation to avoid introducing air into the bloodstream.