Anesthesia, Local Health Article

Results

Local and regional anesthetics help to make many conditions and procedures more comfortable and tolerable for patients.

Health care team roles

A registered nurse often can administer local anesthesia. For other types, including spinal and epidural anesthesia and ganglionic blockades, a health care team may include a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) working independently or with an anesthesiologist. Anesthesiologist assistants are other allied health professionals who assist anesthesiologists. They may prepare for the delivery of anesthesia; perform pre-treatment assessments; insert catheters; administer maintenance and supportive drugs; manage patient airways; make anesthetic adjustments; and assist with the patient transition to the recovery room.

KEY TERMS

Canker sore—A painful sore inside the mouth.

Cold sore—A small blister on the lips or face, caused by a virus. Also called a fever blister.

Epidural space—The space surrounding the spinal fluid sac.

Malignant hyperthermia—A type of reaction (probably with a genetic basis) that can occur during general anesthesia in which the patient experiences a high fever, the muscles become rigid, and the heart rate and blood pressure fluctuate.

Subarachnoid space—The space surrounding the spinal cord that is filled with cerebrospinal fluid.

Topical—Not ingested; applied to the outside of the body, for example to the skin, eye, or mouth.

ORGANIZATIONS

American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants. PO Box 81362, Wellesley, MA 02481-0004. (800) 757-5858. <http://www.anesthetist.org>.

American Society of Anesthesiologists. 520 N. Northwest Highway, Park Ridge, IL 60068-2573. (847) 825-5586. <http://www.asahq.org>.

OTHER

Interview with Harvey Plosker, MD. The Pain Center. 501 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431.

Lisette Hilton