National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

Which of the following can cause parathesia during anesthetic administration?

1. Overdosing of anesthetic

2. Contaminated anesthetic solution

3. Insufficient anesthetic dosage

4. Allergic reaction to anesthetic

The correct answer is: Contaminated anesthetic solution

Paresthesia during anesthetic administration can occur due to several factors, but the connection to a contaminated anesthetic solution is significant. Contaminated anesthetic solutions can introduce foreign substances or bacteria, leading to inflammation or irritation of the nerves surrounding the injection site. This can result in abnormal sensations, such as tingling or numbness, which are characteristic of paresthesia. While other factors can lead to paresthesia, such as overdosing on anesthetic, insufficient dosage, or allergic reactions, they do not directly relate to the contamination of the anesthetic solution. An overdose may cause toxic effects that can affect nerve function, and an insufficient dose could lead to inadequate anesthesia and possible nerve irritation, but the direct link to contamination and the associated inflammatory response is particularly relevant in this context. Thus, understanding the role of antibiotics, preservatives, or other impurities in the anesthetic solution is crucial for recognizing potential complications during administration.