A patient develops perioral tingling, metallic taste, then a seizure and arrhythmia shortly after a regional nerve block. Which treatment is specific?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Intravenous 20 percent lipid emulsion
- Step 1: These features indicate systemic local anaesthetic toxicity. Step 2. Lipid emulsion acts as a 'lipid sink' to bind the drug, alongside stopping injection, airway support and seizure control. Answer: Intravenous 20 percent lipid emulsion. Why not the others: Protamine reverses heparin. Glucagon is used for beta-blocker overdose. Neostigmine reverses neuromuscular blockade.
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