A nurse understands the risks associated with the topical administration of local anesthetics. To reduce the risk of toxicity for a patient receiving a topical anesthetic, the nurse should
a. spread the anesthetic over a large surface area to reduce concentration.
b. apply the anesthetic to mucous membranes.
c. avoid abraded skin areas when applying the anesthetic.
d. limit the area of application to inflamed areas.
D
Limiting the area of application of a topical anesthetic to the inflamed areas would reduce the risk of toxicity.
Topical agents pose the greatest risk of toxicity when the surface area is large.
Absorption of topical anesthetics occurs more readily through mucous membranes than through the skin, therefore application to mucous membranes poses the greater risk.
If the skin is abraded, absorption of a local anesthetic is increased, which increases the risk of toxicity.
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