Question

Which of the following statements are true regarding a test dose of local anesthetic for an epidural catheter?

A) The test dose will detect a pneumothorax.
B) If the test dose produces anesthesia, the catheter is in the epidural space.
C) If the catheter is in a blood vessel, the patient will have CNS symptoms like tinnitus.
D) The test dose is used to detect intrathecal and intravascular injection.
E) Once the test dose is negative, the catheter is definitely not intravascular.

Answer 1

A test dose of local anesthetic for an epidural catheter checks for correct placement in the epidural space and potential intravascular injection, where tinnitus may indicate a blood vessel entry.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statements that are true regarding a test dose of local anesthetic for an epidural catheter are that if the test dose produces anesthesia, the catheter is likely in the epidural space, and the test dose is used to detect intrathecal and intravascular injection. If the catheter is in a blood vessel, the patient may exhibit CNS symptoms like tinnitus. It is important to note that a negative test dose does not definitively confirm that the catheter is not intravascular, as there is still a possibility of intravascular placement.