1.
Nerve conduction is determined mainly by 2 factors: nerve fiber diameter and the degree of ________, which determines conduction velocity.
Explanation
Nerve conduction is determined mainly by two factors: nerve fiber diameter and the degree of myelination. Myelination refers to the presence of a myelin sheath, which is a fatty substance that surrounds and insulates nerve fibers. This insulation allows for faster and more efficient conduction of electrical impulses along the nerve fibers. Therefore, the degree of myelination directly affects the conduction velocity of the nerve.
2.
Various concentrations of local anesthetics will provide various types of blocks. For example: –0.125% Bupivicaine only blocks _______ while 0.5% blocks sensory and motor
Explanation
Different concentrations of local anesthetics can produce different types of blocks. In this case, a concentration of 0.125% Bupivicaine only blocks sensory function, while a concentration of 0.5% blocks both sensory and motor function.
3.
Which of the following describes the correct order of nerve fiber blockade?
Correct Answer
A. Autonomic, sensory, then motor.
Explanation
The correct order of nerve fiber blockade is autonomic, sensory, then motor. This means that the autonomic nerves, which control involuntary bodily functions, are blocked first. Then, the sensory nerves, responsible for transmitting sensations such as pain, are blocked. Finally, the motor nerves, which control movement, are blocked. This order ensures that the patient does not feel pain or discomfort during a procedure, while still allowing them to maintain some motor function.
4.
Local anesthetics produce reversible binding at the site of sodium channels in nerves in all of the following states EXCEPT:
Correct Answer
A. Closed/Resting
Explanation
Local anesthetics work by binding to sodium channels in nerves, blocking the conduction of nerve impulses and producing a reversible loss of sensation. They primarily bind to the open and inactivated states of the sodium channels, preventing the influx of sodium ions and inhibiting nerve cell depolarization. However, they do not bind to the closed/resting state of the sodium channels, as this is the state in which the channels are not actively conducting impulses. Therefore, local anesthetics do not have an effect on the closed/resting state of sodium channels.
5.
Local anesthetics must bind with at least ______ successive nodes of Ranvier to be effective.
Correct Answer
3
three
Explanation
Local anesthetics need to bind with a minimum of three successive nodes of Ranvier in order to be effective. The nodes of Ranvier are small gaps in the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve fibers. By binding to these nodes, local anesthetics can block the transmission of nerve signals, effectively numbing the area. Binding to fewer than three nodes may not provide enough coverage to fully block the nerve signals, resulting in incomplete anesthesia.
6.
The non-ionized form diffuses into the nerve axon while the ionized form binds to receptors on sodium channels when the channel is in the inactivated state.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The explanation for the given correct answer is that the non-ionized form of a substance is able to easily pass through the cell membrane and diffuse into the nerve axon. On the other hand, the ionized form of the substance binds to specific receptors on sodium channels, but only when the channel is in the inactivated state. This means that both forms of the substance have different mechanisms of action, but they are both involved in the transmission of signals within the nerve axon. Therefore, the statement is true.
7.
Voltage gated Na+ channels are found only in the nerve’s _____.
Correct Answer
A. Axon
Explanation
Voltage gated Na+ channels are found only in the nerve's axon. This is because the axon is responsible for transmitting electrical signals, known as action potentials, from one neuron to another. Voltage gated Na+ channels play a crucial role in generating and propagating these action potentials. They open in response to a change in voltage, allowing Na+ ions to flow into the axon and depolarize the membrane. This depolarization triggers the opening of voltage gated K+ channels, leading to repolarization and the propagation of the action potential along the axon. Therefore, voltage gated Na+ channels are specifically located in the axon to facilitate efficient and rapid transmission of electrical signals.
8.
The Cm (minimum blocking concentration) or motor fibers is about ____ that of sensory fibers.
Correct Answer
A. 2x
Explanation
The minimum blocking concentration (Cm) for motor fibers is approximately twice that of sensory fibers. This means that it takes a higher concentration of a blocking agent to inhibit the function of motor fibers compared to sensory fibers.
9.
}The Cmin for local anesthetics can be defined as the lowest concentration of drug that is needed for blocking impulse propagation. The Cmin value can very depending on the temperature, pH or _____ concentration of the bathing solution.
Correct Answer
Calcium
Ca
Explanation
Cm requirements go up with temperature and hypercalcemia.
10.
Chemically, local anesthetics have three characteristic traits:1. An intermediate carbon group separates2. an unsaturated “aromatic” ring system from3. a tertiary amine. The aromatic ring provides lipophilic characteristics, whereas the amine gives hydrophilicity to the molecule.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
This type of linkage is important clinically because it has implications for metabolism and allergic potential
11.
Lipid solubility will ______ potency and duration of action.
Correct Answer
A. Increase
Explanation
Direct correlation
12.
When considering duration of action, the lipid solubility of a drug is more important than its protein binding.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Protein binding, however, is more important than lipid solubility when it comes to duration of action
When a drug is bound to protein it is not available to be metabolized by the liver or plasmaesterases.
13.
Local Anesthetics that have a longer duration of action preferentially bind to the _____ protein chain of the nerve and less to albumin
Correct Answer
alpha
Alpha 1-acid
Explanation
Alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (remember – weak base)
Therefore, less metabolism of the drug since it is staying at the site of action (less likely cleared by blood flow)
Ester local anesthetics usually have a shorter duration of action than amides
14.
Which of the following local anesthetics is 95% protein bound and has the greatest duration of action?
Correct Answer
A. Bupivicaine
Explanation
Chloroprocaine has NO (0%) protein binding – very short DOA – half life is 6 minutes
15.
Increased lipid solubility correlates with increased protein binding, increased potency, longer duration of action and a higher tendency for severe _______ (especially cardiac).
Correct Answer
A. Toxicity
Explanation
Increased lipid solubility allows a drug to easily cross cell membranes and distribute throughout the body, leading to increased protein binding. This binding can enhance the drug's potency and prolong its duration of action. However, it also increases the drug's potential for toxicity, particularly in organs such as the heart. Therefore, drugs with high lipid solubility are more likely to cause severe toxicity, especially cardiac toxicity.
16.
If a local anesthetic is injected into venous system, less drug gets to systemic circulation due to uptake by the _____ (first pass uptake).
Correct Answer
Lungs
Explanation
When a local anesthetic is injected into the venous system, it bypasses the liver, which is responsible for metabolizing drugs before they enter systemic circulation. Instead, the drug travels directly to the lungs, where it undergoes first-pass uptake. This means that a significant amount of the drug is taken up by the lungs before it can enter systemic circulation, resulting in less drug reaching the rest of the body.
17.
The addition of epinephrine or, less commonly, phenylephrine causes ______ rate of absorption and of peak plasma concentrations.
Correct Answer
A. Decreased
Explanation
Toxicity is based on peak plasma levels.
The addition of vasoconstrictors facilitates neuronal uptake, enhancing the quality of analgesia, and limits toxic side effects.
**Always assume you could accidentally inject into the blood stream.
18.
The addition of epinephrine to bupivacaine, ropivacaine, or etidocaine has which effect on their duration of action?
Correct Answer
C. No change
Explanation
Epi is effective for increasing DOA of short acting and intermediate acting drugs, clinically does not really effect DOA of long acting drugs because they are already long
19.
What is the max dose of epinephrine your are able to mix with your local anesthetic?
Correct Answer
A. 200-250 mcg or 3-5 mcg/kg
Explanation
Use the 1:200,000 concentration (5 mcg/mL)
20.
Higher max doses of local anesthetic are allowed with vasoconstrictor added.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The addition of a vasoconstrictor to a local anesthetic allows for higher maximum doses to be used. Vasoconstrictors, such as epinephrine, constrict blood vessels at the site of administration, reducing blood flow and delaying the systemic absorption of the local anesthetic. This reduces the risk of toxicity and allows for higher doses to be used safely.
21.
Which of the following are contraindications to the addition of epi to your LA?
Correct Answer(s)
A. Unstable angina
B. Cardiac dysrhythmias
C. Uncontrolled HTN
D. Uteroplacental insufficiency
E. Areas that lack collateral blood flow such as the fingers/toes
Explanation
The addition of epi to local anesthesia should be avoided in patients with unstable angina, cardiac dysrhythmias, uncontrolled hypertension, uteroplacental insufficiency, and areas that lack collateral blood flow such as the fingers/toes. These conditions can increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular events or compromise blood flow to vital organs or extremities, making the use of epi in local anesthesia contraindicated.
22.
Ropivacaine, lidocaine, and cocaine are vasoconsctrictors
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Ropivacaine, lidocaine, and cocaine are all drugs that have vasoconstrictor properties. Vasoconstrictors are substances that cause the narrowing of blood vessels, leading to a decrease in blood flow. This can be beneficial in certain medical procedures, such as local anesthesia, as it helps to reduce bleeding and prolong the effects of the anesthetic. Therefore, the statement that ropivacaine, lidocaine, and cocaine are vasoconstrictors is true.
23.
Cocaine has vasoconstrictive properties because of its ability to block the reuptake of _________.
Correct Answer
norepinephrine
norepi
NE
Explanation
Cocaine has vasoconstrictive properties because it blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating blood vessel constriction. When cocaine inhibits its reuptake, norepinephrine remains in the synaptic cleft for a longer period, leading to increased stimulation of alpha-adrenergic receptors and causing vasoconstriction. This narrowing of blood vessels can result in increased blood pressure and reduced blood flow to certain areas of the body.
24.
The pKa's of local anesthetics range from 7.6-9.1 with one exception of chloroprocaine which has a really high pKA. Chloroprocaine still has a very fast onset of action due to being used in high concentrations (3%).
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Locals are weak bases prepared as hydrochloride salts.
25.
How do we increase the pH of a local anesthetic in order to increase the amount of drug in the nonionized form when injected into tissue?
Correct Answer
A. The addition of sodium bicarbonate
Explanation
Another benefit of adding NaHCO3 = less pain on injection.
Bupivicaine may precipitate with NaHCO3 addition
Use lower amounts of bicarb
0.1mEq/20 mL of bup vs. 1 mEq/10 mL of lido – not on test but for regionals
26.
Which of the following receives the greatest amount of LA from distribution due to its greater tissue mass?
Correct Answer
C. Muscle
Explanation
Increased lipid solubility = greater plasma protein binding and greater tissue uptake
27.
Metabolites of prilocaine, which accumulate after large doses of drug (>10mg/kg), convert hemoglobin to __________.
Correct Answer
methemoglobin
Explanation
Benzocaine can also cause methemoglobinemia.
28.
The rate of metabolism of amides is agent dependent.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Prilocaine>lidocaine>mepivacaine>ropivacaine>bupivacaine
Mnemonic:
Please lease my rusty bus.
29.
Esters are mostly eliminated via metabolism by:
Correct Answer
A. Pseudocholinesterase
Explanation
Cocaine is also metabolized by liver esterases
Avoid the use of ester LA's with pseudocholinesterase deficiency.
30.
Pregnancy, liver diseases, the 1st 6 months of life, and atypical plasma cholinesterase all ________ the DOA of ester local anesthetics.
Correct Answer
A. Increase
Explanation
Via decreasing plasma cholinesterase activity.
31.
Echthiophate, neostigmine, pyridostigmine, and edrophonium are for drugs that ________ ester LA activity.
Correct Answer
A. Prolong
Explanation
The drugs mentioned in the question, echthiophate, neostigmine, pyridostigmine, and edrophonium, are known to prolong ester LA (local anesthetic) activity. This means that these drugs increase the duration of the effects of local anesthetics, making them last longer.
32.
Esters are metabolized almost exclusively in the liver by the microsomal cytochrome-P-450
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
This describes amides.
Patients w/liver disease or reduced liver blood flow may have prolonged effects.
P450 is INHIBITED by anesthesia gases, propanolol, and cimetidine.
33.
What is the MOST LIKELY cause of local anesthetic toxicity?
Correct Answer
A. Accidental intravascular injection
Explanation
The other three are factors that can produce LA toxicity but most likely due to an accidental IV injection.
34.
Symptoms of LOCAL local anesthetic toxicity include all of the following except:
Correct Answer
D. Visual disturbances
Explanation
Symptoms of local anesthetic toxicity can include pain, hematoma, abscess, ecchymosis, and tissue necrosis. However, visual disturbances are not typically associated with local anesthetic toxicity. Visual disturbances may be a side effect of other medications or conditions, but they are not a characteristic symptom of local anesthetic toxicity.
35.
All of the following increase the risk of LA toxicity except?
Correct Answer
D. Respiratory alkalosis
Explanation
Respiratory alkalosis does not increase the risk of LA (local anesthetic) toxicity. Local anesthetics are weak bases, and they exist predominantly in the ionized form in an alkaline environment. In respiratory alkalosis, there is a decrease in carbon dioxide levels, resulting in increased blood pH. This alkalotic state decreases the ionization of local anesthetics, reducing their toxicity. On the other hand, pregnancy, hypoxemia, and respiratory acidosis increase the risk of LA toxicity as they all lead to an acidic environment, promoting the ionization of local anesthetics and increasing their toxicity.
36.
The greatest systemic absorption of local anesthetics occurs with _______ nerve blocks followed by caudal then epidural.
Correct Answer
intercostal
Explanation
Peripheral nerve blocks are a less likely source of systemic absorption unless accidentally injecting IV - always aspirate prior to injection.
37.
In regards to CNS LA toxicity, it has been noted that _____ of the associated symptoms are seen when plasma concentrations increase slowly.
Correct Answer
A. More
Explanation
A sudden increase in plasma concentration may result in convulsions being the first symptom as opposed to circumoral numbness, etc.
75-80% of CNS toxicity occur within the first 5 minutes of the block being administered.
38.
CNS depression associated with CNS toxicity reflects selective depression of inhibitory cortical neurons, leaving excitatory pathways unopposed.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true because CNS depression associated with CNS toxicity occurs when inhibitory cortical neurons are selectively depressed, which means they are not functioning properly. This leads to excitatory pathways being unopposed, meaning they are not balanced or regulated by the inhibitory neurons. As a result, there is an increase in excitatory activity in the CNS, leading to symptoms of CNS toxicity.
39.
You are performing a nerve block on your patient when they begin having a tonic clonic seizure. Initial seizure treatment includes providing O2, airway control, midazolam and ________ their respiratory rate.
Correct Answer
A. Increasing
Explanation
Hyperventilation helps to decrease the chance of ion trapping the LA in the brain.
40.
0.5-2mg/kg of _______ terminates seizure activity.
Correct Answer
propofol
Explanation
Propofol is a medication commonly used for anesthesia induction and maintenance, as well as for terminating seizure activity. It is administered intravenously in a dose range of 0.5-2mg/kg. This dosage is effective in stopping seizures and restoring normal brain activity. Propofol works by enhancing the inhibitory effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal excitability. By increasing GABA's activity, propofol helps to control and terminate seizure activity.
41.
Containing a preservative is an absolute contraindication to administering a LA into a neuraxial compartment.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Administering a local anesthetic (LA) into a neuraxial compartment, such as the epidural or intrathecal space, is contraindicated if it contains a preservative. Preservatives can cause neurotoxicity and other adverse effects when injected into these compartments. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the LA being administered is preservative-free to avoid potential harm to the patient.
42.
Your patient you were performing a regional block on suddenly becomes profoundly hypotensive and bradycardic. You suspect cardiovascular toxicity, after strongly reconsidering your career choice, you anticipate doing all of the following except:
Correct Answer
A. Administer systemic epinepHrine
Explanation
Systemic epinephrine absorption following use with local anesthetics will most likely cause arrhythmias.
43.
_____________ is the most cardiac toxic LA.
Correct Answer
Bupivacaine
Explanation
Also: etidocaine and ropivacaine (dissociates faster)
44.
The arrhythmogenic effect of bupivacaine is probably a result of the ________ of both fast Na+ and slow Calcium channels.
Correct Answer
A. Inhibition
Explanation
Typically will cause v-fib/v-tach
45.
________ is the most toxic ester due to it being hydroloyzed more slowly than other esters.
Correct Answer
Tetracaine
Explanation
Tetracaine is the most toxic ester because it undergoes hydrolysis at a slower rate compared to other esters. Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction in which a compound is broken down by water. In the case of esters, hydrolysis leads to the release of toxic byproducts. Since tetracaine is hydrolyzed more slowly, it remains in the body for a longer time, increasing its toxicity.
46.
This type of local anesthetics are broken down to para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) which is a known allergen potentially causing localized edema, urticaria, bronchospasm, and anaphylaxis.
Correct Answer
A. Esters
Explanation
Esters are a type of local anesthetics that are broken down into para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), which is a known allergen. This can potentially cause localized edema, urticaria, bronchospasm, and anaphylaxis. Therefore, the correct answer is Esters.
47.
____________ is ideally suited for topical anesthesia. It has a pKa of 3.5, making it completely ionized in a pH of 7.4 It comes in a 20% solution, delivering 200-300 mg per brief spray. Methemoglobinemia may occur with doses over 300 mg.
Correct Answer
Benzocaine
hurricane spray
Explanation
Benzocaine is ideally suited for topical anesthesia because it has a pKa of 3.5, which means it is completely ionized in a pH of 7.4. This allows it to easily penetrate the skin and provide effective anesthesia. Additionally, it comes in a 20% solution, delivering 200-300 mg per brief spray, which is a suitable dosage for topical anesthesia. However, it is important to note that doses over 300 mg can lead to methemoglobinemia, a condition where the blood is unable to carry oxygen effectively.
48.
All of the following are symptoms of methemoglobinemia EXCEPT:
Correct Answer
C. Bradycardia
Explanation
Causes tachycardia.
Patients w/severe anemia or heart failure cannot tolerate the reduced O2 carrying capacity.
Tx w/1-2 mg/kg of 1% methylene blue.
49.
LA _______ non-depolarizing muscle relaxant blockade.
Correct Answer
A. Potentiate
Explanation
The word "potentiate" means to increase the effect or strength of something. In the context of the given question, the blank is asking for a word that completes the sentence and relates to the non-depolarizing muscle relaxant blockade. By choosing "potentiate" as the correct answer, it suggests that the action being described is the enhancement or strengthening of the blockade caused by the non-depolarizing muscle relaxant.
50.
Chloroprocaine and procaine share the same maximum dose which is ___ mg/kg.
Correct Answer
12
Explanation
Chloroprocaine and procaine have the same maximum dose of 12 mg/kg. This means that for every kilogram of body weight, the maximum amount of these medications that can be administered is 12 milligrams. This ensures that the dosage remains within safe limits and prevents potential adverse effects or toxicity.