Medical Emergencies · single question
After local anesthesia the patient (with CHF + hypertension) becomes pale and short of breath. The most likely cause is:
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Epinephrine
- A. Lidocaine toxicity is dose-related and less likely than a vasoconstrictor effect in a cardiac patient.
- B. Correct (keyed). In a patient with CHF/hypertension, the epinephrine in the cartridge can provoke cardiovascular strain producing pallor and dyspnea.
- C. Hyperventilation causes tingling/lightheadedness with rapid breathing, less consistent with pallor + dyspnea in this cardiac context.
- D. Vasovagal syncope causes transient fainting but is less specific to this cardiac/dyspnea presentation.
Practice Medical Emergencies questions Medical Emergencies study notes