Red flags — act immediately

Air embolism — sudden dyspnea, chest pain, or hypotension during central-line manipulation → clamp the line, place the patient left-lateral in Trendelenburg, and activate EMS.

Central line dislodged or broken with bleeding → apply pressure, clamp the remaining catheter, keep the patient supine, and activate EMS.

Device-related bloodstream infection — site purulence or erythema with fever, chills, or rigors → obtain vitals and cultures per order and notify urgently; possible line removal and antibiotics.

Feeding tube dislodged or placement cannot be confirmed → do not reinsert blindly or feed; notify the provider.

Occlusion that will not clear within protocol, or resistance on flushing → stop, do not force, and notify.

Site bleeding on an anticoagulant not controlled with pressure → hold pressure and apply the Anticoagulation overlay; activate EMS if not controlled.