Question

Compared to opiate-only epidural infusion, use of a combination of local anesthetic and opioid epidural infusion leads to:

A. Increased incidence of motor blockade
B. Increased incidence of pruritus
C. Increased incidence of breakthrough pain
D. Decreased incidence of hypotension
E. Increased incidence of respiratory depression

Answer 1

Using a combination of local anesthetic and opioids in an epidural infusion increases the incidence of motor blockade due to the added nerve conduction-blocking effect of the local anesthetic on motor fibers.

Step-by-step explanation:

Compared to an opiate-only epidural infusion, the use of a combination of local anesthetic and opioid epidural infusion is more likely to lead to an Increased incidence of motor blockade. This is due to the additional effects of the local anesthetic, which can impair not just pain sensation but also motor function, depending on the concentration used and the site of administration. While opioids primarily provide analgesia, local anesthetics can block nerve conduction to a broader extent, which may include motor fibers, thus increasing the risk of motor blockade.