How does the Valsalva maneuver impact air embolism risk during catheter infusions?

The Valsalva maneuver impacts the risk of air embolism during catheter infusions primarily by stabilizing the pressure within the vascular system. When a person performs the Valsalva maneuver—exhaling forcefully while keeping the mouth and nose closed—it briefly increases thoracic pressure. This alteration in pressure can help to reduce venous return to the heart and create a negative pressure in the central veins.

By stabilizing pressure in this manner, the maneuver can prevent the entry of air into the vascular system during procedures where there is a risk of blood vessel collapse or negative pressure that could draw in air. Thus, it effectively decreases the risk of air embolism, as the negative thoracic pressure helps to maintain the integrity of the venous system during catheter infusions.

Other choices present varying understandings of the pressure dynamics involved in this context. The notion that the maneuver increases risk by creating pressure doesn't recognize how the transient pressure changes can lead to protective mechanisms. Similarly, stating that it has no effect overlooks the physiological responses that occur. The claim that it guarantees prevention of embolism is also inaccurate because while it helps in decreasing the risk, it doesn't completely eliminate it under all circumstances.