During which situation should the nurse immediately notify the physician when caring for a patient with a CVAD?

The scenario involving an air embolism is critically important in the context of caring for a patient with a central venous access device (CVAD). An air embolism occurs when air enters the venous system, potentially leading to serious complications such as stroke, respiratory distress, or even cardiac arrest. Immediate intervention is crucial in this case because the presence of air in the vascular system can quickly become life-threatening.

Recognizing signs of an air embolism, such as sudden respiratory distress or altered mental status, signifies a medical emergency that requires prompt notification of the physician to facilitate immediate assessment and intervention. This swift communication can help initiate necessary medical treatments and improve patient outcomes.

In contrast, while anxiety, requests for pain management, and slight bleeding at the catheter site are important aspects of patient care, they do not typically represent the same level of urgency as signs of an air embolism. Addressing these other situations should certainly be part of patient management, but they do not necessitate immediate physician notification in the same critical manner.