Question

A115WLI U A. Surgical Supplies and Instruments 1. Explain the purpose of topical anesthetics and how they act. 2. Why is epinephrine frequently an ingredient in a local anesthetic? 3. List four groups of surgical instruments and give an example of each.

Answer 1

Ans) 1) Topical anesthesia is a condition of temporary numbness caused by applying a substance directly to a surface of the body. Loss of feeling occurs in the specific areas touched by the anesthetic substance.

Purpose:
Topical anesthesia typically either relieves existing pain from a body surface or prevents pain during medical examinations or procedures. Body surfaces include both skin and mucous membranes, which are the moist linings of areas such as the inside of the mouth or nose. Occasionally, use of a topical anesthetic may help clarify whether a patient's pain comes from a body surface, which the substance is able to touch, or from deeper structures beyond the reach of the substance. A mucous membrane, an area of skin, or areas just beneath the skin's surface temporarily lose feeling during topical anesthesia.

2) The addition of epinephrine 5 micrograms/ml (1:200 000) as a vasoconstrictor to local anaesthetic solutions slows systemic absorption and prolongs the anaesthetic effect. In dental surgery, in which small volumes are injected, concentrations of 12.5 micrograms/ml (1:80 000) are commonly used.

3) Four groups of surgical instruments & examples:

a.Cutting: Scissors

b.Grasping: hemostats

c.Retracting: senn retractors

d.Probing and dilating: specula