Question

When providing local anesthesia for a child, which of the following is not true?

a. use topical anesthetics instead of injections if possible

b. needle penetration depth is generally less deep

c. use less anesthetics compared to adults

d. use infiltrations rather than nerve blocks

Answer 1

The false statement in providing pediatric local anesthesia is using infiltrations rather than nerve blocks, as the choice between the two depends on the procedure specifics.

Step-by-step explanation:

When providing local anesthesia for a child, the statement that is not true is the suggestion to use infiltrations rather than nerve blocks. While it is often appropriate to use topical anesthetics when possible (a) and needle penetration depth may need to be less deep (b), it is incorrect to generalize that infiltrations are always preferable over nerve blocks for children. The choice between infiltration anesthesia and a nerve block depends on the procedure and the specific area of the body being anesthetized. Infiltration anesthesia involves injecting the anesthetic directly into the tissue to numb a small area, whereas nerve blocks involve injecting the anesthetic near a nerve to numb a larger or more specific region. Furthermore, while you would use less anesthetic in children compared to adults due to body size and weight (c), the selection of anesthetic technique is based on efficacy, safety, and the desired outcome of the procedure.