A nurse is assessing a child who has received the first 50 mL of a blood transfusion. Which of the following findings indicates that the child might be experiencing an air embolism?

A. Sharp pain in middle of the chest: Air embolism commonly presents with sudden substernal chest pain due to obstruction of pulmonary blood flow by air bubbles. This is a hallmark early sign, along with dyspnea, cyanosis, and anxiety. B. Severe itching of the hands: Itching is a sign of an allergic reaction, not air embolism. C. Distended neck veins Jugular vein distension (JVD) may occur with air embolism due to impaired venous return and right-sided heart strain. However, the classic and most indicative early finding is sharp substernal chest pain. D. Decreased temperature: Hypothermia is not a sign of air embolism. Blood products can sometimes lower body temperature, but that is unrelated to embolism.