Anesthesia · single question
A mother asks how to reduce prolonged effects of local anesthesia in her child after a procedure. Which of the following would NOT help avoid prolonged anesthetic effects?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Naloxone reversal
C) Naloxone — CORRECT (does NOT reverse local anesthesia).
Naloxone (Narcan) is an opioid receptor ANTAGONIST — it reverses opioid toxicity. It has absolutely no effect on local anesthetics (sodium channel blockers). It cannot and does not reverse local anesthetic effects.
A) OraVerse (phentolamine mesylate): An alpha-adrenergic blocker that increases blood flow at the injection site, accelerating local anesthetic clearance. Approved for reversing soft tissue anesthesia in children.
B) Advising against biting: Appropriate safety instruction to prevent self-inflicted soft tissue injury while numb.
D) Shorter-acting anesthetics: Using mepivacaine without vasoconstrictor gives shorter duration — a valid strategy.
Naloxone (Narcan) is an opioid receptor ANTAGONIST — it reverses opioid toxicity. It has absolutely no effect on local anesthetics (sodium channel blockers). It cannot and does not reverse local anesthetic effects.
A) OraVerse (phentolamine mesylate): An alpha-adrenergic blocker that increases blood flow at the injection site, accelerating local anesthetic clearance. Approved for reversing soft tissue anesthesia in children.
B) Advising against biting: Appropriate safety instruction to prevent self-inflicted soft tissue injury while numb.
D) Shorter-acting anesthetics: Using mepivacaine without vasoconstrictor gives shorter duration — a valid strategy.