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Chapter 27: General and Local Anesthetic Agents

1. Balanced anesthesia combines different classes of drugs to achieve the best effects with the least adverse effects. Balanced anesthesia does not usually involve the use of a. anticholinergics b. narcotics c. sedatives/hypnotics d. adrenergic blockers 2. The use of a general anesthetic is the most dangerous part of most surgeries. The most dangerous period for many patients undergoing general anesthesia is a. during stage 1, when communication becomes difficult b. during stage 2, when systemic stimulation occurs c. during stage 3, when skeletal muscles relax d. not an option; there is no real danger during general anesthesia 3. General anesthetics are drugs used to produce a. pain relief, analgesia, amnesia, and unconsciousness b. skeletal muscle paralysis, bradycardia, and rapid respiration c. prolonged sleep and amnesia d. pain relief, muscle paralysis, and decreased blood pressure 4. The nursing care of a patient who is receiving a general anesthetic includes a. increased oxygen via nasal prongs b. clear fluids to maintain hydration c. provision of safety precautions and reassurance d. regular turning to prevent skin breakdown 5. As a patient recovers from general anesthesia, one would expect the order of recovery to be a. movement, ability to communicate b. ability to communicate, sensation c. movement, sensation d. movement, memory, ability to communicate 6. Desflurane (Suprane) has a rapid onset and rapid recovery. Because of its adverse effects, it is not the drug of choice for a patient who a. has diabetes b. has a history of respiratory problems c. is hypertensive d. has renal failure 7. Patients who receive spinal anesthesia often experience a characteristic headache. To decrease the headache and to speed recovery, the patient should

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a. b. c. d.

be given triptans and lots of water be administered morphine intravenously until the pain subsides remain lying down for as long as 12 hours and be well hydrated have fluids restricted and be given a diuretic to decrease swelling

8. Amide local anesthetics are broken down in the liver and pose a greater risk for complications and systemic toxicity than ester-type anesthetics. An example of an amide anesthetic is a. lidocaine b. benzocaine c. butamben d. tetracaine 9. Halothane is a widely used anesthesia in children, especially children with respiratory problems, because a. it is metabolized in the liver b. it can cause bronchial dilation c. it is excreted unchanged in the urine d. it causes an accumulation of secretions 10. A patient receiving a lidocaine block for a tooth extraction must be cautioned a. that driving a car may be hazardous because of dizziness and confusion b. to cough frequently to clear secretions c. to avoid biting himself while the area is numb d. that speaking may be difficult until recovery is complete