Anesthesia Technologist Practice Exam

What potential complication can directly result from hemorrhage during spinal anesthesia?

1. Fever

2. Headache

3. Shivering

4. Vomiting

The correct answer is: Headache

In the context of spinal anesthesia, a headache can occur as a direct complication of hemorrhage due to the potential for a cerebrospinal fluid leak. This situation can lead to a post-dural puncture headache, which is often characterized by pain that intensifies when the patient is sitting or standing and improves when lying down. This headache arises from changes in intracranial pressure resulting from the loss of cerebrospinal fluid following a traumatic puncture or hemorrhage that disrupts normal fluid balance. Understanding this mechanism highlights the significance of managing hemorrhage during spinal anesthesia, as preventing blood from accumulating in the spinal area or damaging adjacent structures is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the surrounding tissues and avoiding complications like headaches. The other options presented, such as fever, shivering, and vomiting, are not typically direct complications stemming from hemorrhage in this specific anesthesia context.