Saunders Respiratory Practice

When administering a local anesthetic before a procedure, what is the primary goal?

1. Reduce anxiety for the client

2. Minimize discomfort during the procedure

3. Ensure compliance with hospital protocols

4. Avoid the need for sedation

The correct answer is: Minimize discomfort during the procedure

The primary goal of administering a local anesthetic before a procedure is to minimize discomfort during the procedure. Local anesthetics work by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses in the area where they are applied, which effectively numbs that part of the body. This allows the patient to undergo various medical or dental procedures with reduced pain and discomfort, promoting a more positive experience and facilitating the procedure itself. While reducing anxiety can be an important aspect of patient care, particularly pertaining to overall comfort and satisfaction, the direct effect of local anesthetics centers on the physical sensation of the procedure rather than addressing psychological factors. Compliance with protocols and avoiding sedation are secondary considerations that do not align with the primary role of local anesthetics, which is to provide direct pain relief during the intervention. Therefore, the emphasis on minimizing discomfort aligns closely with the fundamental purpose of using local anesthetics in procedural settings.