Local Anaesthetic Complications Flashcards
What are some psychogenic reactions
- Feeling faint
- Anxiety-inducing situation/adrenaline secreted
- Respiratory rate and blood pressure altered
- Hyperventilating, nausea and vomiting
Why may one experience a vasovagal attack?
What can you do to help someone having a vasovagal attack?
What do you do if there is still no improvement?
Vasovagal attack due to decreased blood to the brain
- Act quickly
- Lie flat - head down raise legs
- Loosen tight clothing
- Call for assistance
- Could provide glucose drink
- If no improvement, reassess airway, breathing and circulation
When does toxicity occur
When a sufficient toxic concentration of anaesthetic drug in the blood level reaches to the central nervous system and cardiovascular systems
Who is more susceptible to toxicity
- Older people
- People with decreased liver/renal function
What does toxicity have an effect on?
- CNS
- Cardiac system
What are the effects of toxicity
- Light head
- Dizzy
- Sedation
- Twitching
What can toxicity lead to
- Convulsions
- Loss of consciousness
- Respiratory depression
- Cardiovascular collapse
What are allergic reactions usually due to
Preservatives in the cartridge
What are allergic reactions more common in
More common in ester type
What may trigger a latex allergic reaction
Triggered by rubber bung - lost LA cartridges are now bung free
What are some key signs of a mild allergy
- Rash - particularly of chest, hands and feet
- Conjunctivitis + rhinitis
- Mild bronchospasm without evidence of severe shortness of breath
Where are key signs of anaphylaxis
- Bronchospasm causing wheezing
- Tachycardia (HR > 110 per minute) + increased breathing rate
What are symptoms of anaphylaxis
- Abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea
- Flushing
What are some adverse effects of applying LA
- Broken needle
- Pain during or after
- Haematoma
- Blanching of areas on face
- Facial paralysis
