A nurse is caring for a client who has a central venous catheter and develops an air embolism. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Rationale: A. Remove the client's catheter: Removing the catheter could allow more air to enter the circulation and worsen the embolism. The priority is to prevent further air entry while stabilizing the client, not immediate removal of the line. B. Prepare the client for chest tube insertion: Chest tubes are used for pneumothorax or pleural effusions, not for treating an air embolism. Immediate positioning and oxygen therapy are the primary interventions. C. Place the client in a left-lateral Trendelenburg position: Positioning the client in the left-lateral Trendelenburg (head down, left side down) traps air in the right atrium and prevents it from entering the pulmonary circulation, reducing cardiovascular compromise. This is the recommended first intervention for a suspected air embolism. D. Instruct the client to perform the Valsalva maneuver: Performing the Valsalva maneuver increases intrathoracic pressure and may temporarily help, but it is not the first priority. Proper positioning and immediate oxygen administration are more critical to prevent complications.