Final answer:
A low-level arterial drip chamber can cause air to enter the circulatory system, leading to an air embolism or clotting.
Step-by-step explanation:
A low-level arterial drip chamber can result in air entering the system, causing an air embolism or clotting. Air in the drip chamber can lead to the introduction of air bubbles into the bloodstream, which can travel through the veins and arteries.
If they reach a critical location such as the pulmonary arteries, they can cause blockages, leading to a reduction in the flow of deoxygenated blood to the lungs. This can impede gas exchange and lead to a life-threatening condition known as a pulmonary embolism (PE).
A PE can result in severe consequences, including lung damage and instant death, due to the disruption of pulmonary circulation. In the context of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a thrombus may dislodge, becoming an embolus. If this embolus travels to the lungs and gets trapped.