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Anesthesia · single question

What happens when local anesthetic containing epinephrine is injected rapidly directly into a blood vessel?

  1. Bradycardia and hypotension
  2. Tachycardia, palpitations, anxiety, and a rise in blood pressure (epinephrine overdose reaction)
  3. No clinically significant effect occurs
  4. Immediate loss of consciousness in all cases
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Tachycardia, palpitations, anxiety, and a rise in blood pressure (epinephrine overdose reaction)

Intravascular injection of epinephrine-containing LA causes a rapid systemic epinephrine effect: tachycardia, palpitations, anxiety/apprehension, and elevated blood pressure. This is why aspiration before injection and slow injection technique are essential safety steps.

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