What hazard does an air embolism pose?

An air embolism poses a significant hazard as it can lead to cardiac arrest. When air bubbles enter the bloodstream, they can obstruct blood flow, especially to vital organs like the heart and brain. This obstruction can result in a lack of oxygen delivery, potentially leading to severe complications such as heart attack or cardiac arrest. Essentially, the presence of air in the circulatory system disrupts normal physiological functions, which can be life-threatening.

In this context, the other options, while they may present their own dangers, do not capture the most immediate and critical risk associated with air embolisms. Infections can occur as a secondary issue, but they are not direct consequences of the embolism itself. Although an air embolism might impact motor function, paralysis is typically a more indirect consequence, often related to brain or spinal cord injuries caused by embolic events rather than the embolism itself. Blistering is also not a relevant concern in the context of air embolism and provides no immediate threat to life or vital function.