Local anesthetics

Question 1

common uses for local anesthetics

Answer 1

surgical procedures
minor procedures (IV insertion)
chronic pain (lidocaine patch on region of pain)

Question 2

local anesthetic meds

Answer 2

lidocaine
lidocaine/epinephrine
lidocaine/prilocaine topical

Question 3

local anesthetic routes of admin

Answer 3

topical ointment or patch
injection:
infiltration
nerve block
IV
epidural
spinal (subarachnoid)

Question 4

local anesthetic mechanism of action

Answer 4

block the electrical conduction of axons by inhibiting sodium channels

leads to loss of sensation or movement; motor neurons also paralyzed (muscles)

Question 5

local anesthetic onset of action

Answer 5

lidocaine works in about 5mins

topical application takes 1h to take effect

Question 6

local anesthetic duration of action

Answer 6

blood flow takes anesthetic away quickly which terminates the effect; this is why epinephrine is added to vasoconstrict and elongate effect

Question 7

never give lidocaine/epinephrine

Answer 7

no application to areas supplied by end arteries d/t decreased blood flow:
fingers
toes
nose
"hose" penis

Question 8

local anesthetic systemic toxicity

Answer 8

cardiac toxicity: bradychardia, heart beats incorrectly “heart block”, cardiac arrest

CNS toxicity: seizures, respiratory depression, coma

Question 9

lidocaine cream application

Answer 9

squeeze from tube onto site
don't rub
place tegaderm on top
wait 1 hr...NO more-->toxicity
remove dressing and cleanse site