CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

Why is it important to avoid air bubbles in the contrast medium before an injection?

1. They can enhance image quality

2. They can lead to inaccurate measurements

3. They may cause embolism

4. They are harmless

The correct answer is: They may cause embolism

Avoiding air bubbles in the contrast medium before an injection is critical because the presence of air bubbles can result in embolism. When air enters the bloodstream, it can lead to air embolism, which can obstruct blood flow and cause serious complications. Air bubbles can also create artifacts in imaging that compromise the diagnostic quality or accuracy of the images. Therefore, ensuring that the contrast medium is free from air bubbles is essential for both patient safety and effective imaging outcomes. While some may consider the possibility of air bubbles enhancing image quality or being harmless, their potential to cause embolism underscores the necessity of adherence to protocols that eliminate these risks during preparation and administration of contrast media.