Anesthetics and Gout Flashcards
What is a local anesthetic?
An agent that interrupts pain impulses in a specific region of the body without a loss of patient consciousness. Renders a specific portion of the body insensitive to pain
Normally completely reversible
What drugs are local anesthetics?
Na channel blockers
Lidocaine, novocaine, cocaine
What is the difference between an anesthetic and an analgesic?
Anesthetics block Na channels, thus blocking ALL nerve transmission
Analgesics only inhibit pain
What are anesthetics often given with?
Opioids to increase effectiveness and epinephrine to prolong the effect (inhibits blood flow)
How is surface anesthesia accomplished?
By application of a local anesthetic to the skin or mucous membranes
What is surface anesthesia used for?
To relieve itching, burning and surface pain (minor sunburn)
Prior to injection
How does a nerve block work?
A local anesthetic is injected around a nerve that leads to the operative site (any nerve that is not spinal)
More concentrated forms of anesthesia are used
What is spinal anesthesia (epidural)?
Local anesthetic is injected into the subarachnoid space of the spinal cord
Blocks everything in the lower body
What are the effects of anesthetic?
First autonomic activity is lost, then pain and other sensory function. Motor is last to be lost. Peripheral is lost first
When wearing off, reverse is restored (motor first)
What is infiltration anesthesia used for?
Minor surgical and dental procedures
What is infiltration anesthesia?
Injection of the anesthetic solution intradermally, subcutaneously or submucosally across the path of nerves supply the target area
May be given in circular pattern around operative area
What is nerve block anesthesia used for?
Surgical, dental and diagnostic procedures
Therapeutic management of pain
Do side effects usually occur with anesthetics?
No as they are only used locally
How would side effects occur with anesthetics?
Inadvertent intravascular injection
Excessive dose or rate of injection
Slow metabolic breakdown
Injection into a highly vascular tissue (into the blood is bad)
What is gout?
Accumulation of uric acid crystals in joints causing acute joint inflammation (gouty arthritis)