Anesthesia Technologist Practice Exam

Which of the following is True regarding the procedure of spinal anesthesia?

1. Requires repeated puncture of the dura

2. May use different types of needles

3. Permits significant fluid leakage

4. Utilizes a broad selection of medications

The correct answer is: May use different types of needles

Spinal anesthesia involves the injection of anesthetic agents into the subarachnoid space, which requires the use of a specific type of needle to access this area effectively. There are various types of needles that can be utilized, such as cutting needles (like Quincke needles) and pencil point needles (like Whitacre needles), each having unique characteristics that can influence the quality of the block and reduce complications like post-dural puncture headache. For spinal anesthesia, the technique generally aims to provide a single, well-placed puncture to minimize trauma and maximize the effectiveness of the anesthetic, making the statement about repeated punctures inaccurate. Additionally, the procedure is controlled to limit fluid leakage, and while it does employ a selection of medications, the focus on the variety of needles highlights the key aspect of accessibility and technique in performing spinal anesthesia. This multifaceted approach underscores the variability and adaptability of spinal anesthesia based on clinical needs.