What can be a result of air entering the IV tubing?

Air entering the IV tubing can lead to an air embolism, which is a serious condition that occurs when air bubbles enter the bloodstream. When air is injected into a vein, it can travel to the heart, lungs, or brain, potentially causing blockages in blood vessels, leading to a range of symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or even neurological deficits. It is critical to have air-free connections in IV systems to prevent this risk.

The other conditions listed, while they are complications that can arise in IV therapy, are not caused by air entering the tubing. A hematoma relates to blood leaking from a vessel into surrounding tissue, infiltration involves the leakage of IV fluids into the surrounding tissue due to improper catheter placement, and phlebitis is an inflammation of the vein typically due to irritation from the IV catheter or fluid. Each of these is a separate concern and not specifically linked to the entry of air into IV tubing.