Final answer:
It is false to consider it unnecessary to have 20% lipid emulsion on hand during epidurals; it is a vital rescue measure for local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST), despite the rarity of the condition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is false. Having a 20% lipid emulsion on hand is important in procedural areas performing epidurals because it can act as a rescue therapy in the rare event of a local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST). Although rare, LAST poses a serious risk during regional anesthesia procedures like epidurals, which involves the injection of local anesthetics near the spinal cord to block sensation. The lipids in the emulsion help by encapsulating and neutralizing the local anesthetic, which can otherwise affect cardiac and neurological functions. Thus, preparedness with lipid emulsion can be crucial for patient safety.
In conclusion, even though the epidural procedure has a low incidence of LAST, medical facilities should be prepared for all emergencies. The presence of lipid emulsion as a part of the resuscitation cart in procedural areas ensures that the treatment can be initiated swiftly, potentially saving lives and preventing significant morbidity associated with LAST.