The risk of an adverse reaction to a local anesthetic is increased when certain factors are present.
Risk Factor
Way to Reduce Risk
intravascular injection
aspirate for blood prior to injection
high blood flow or high vascularity in tissue, with rapid absorption
use of epinephrine to produce vasoconstriction
excessive dose
keeping dose within dose limits
excessive rate of administration
inject slowly
injection of wrong drug
label all syringes and vials properly, taking the time to read before injecting
failure to respond at the first sign of toxicity
monitor the patient closely and have emergency supplies readily available
history of allergy to local anesthetic or an adverse reaction
include in drug history
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Specialty: Anesthesiology
