LA - Assemble & Disassemble

Question 1

How would you assemble a LA needle?

Answer 1

Firstly select correct needle size
Remove syringe by tearing its protective wrapping
Check expiry date and batch number of cartridge
Remove cartridge from clear plastic packet and insert into syringe
Remove plunger from sterilised packet - should contain handle, middle section and bung
Place bung on end of plunger (wide bit to base, narrow bit to top)
Push plunger into cartridge until it clicks into place
Pull back on plastic casing over needle until it clicks into place
Remove sheath from needle

Question 2

How would you safely place the LA needle on a bracket table?

Answer 2

DO NOT RESHEATH
Push plastic casing down to cover needle and click into place - one click if using needle again, two clicks if finished with needle

Question 3

How would you dispose of a LA needle?

Answer 3

Dispose of needle/syringe/cartridge in sharps box (sharps box should never be more than 2/3 full, should be kept out of reach of children but easy reach of operator, incinerated once 2/3 full)
Dispose of bung in orange clinical waste
Place plunger along with plastic tag in dirty box for decontamination

Question 4

How does LA work to anaesthetise the target area in a patient?

Answer 4

Blocks voltage gated Na+ channels

Prevents generation of action potential