2024 PN NCLEX Questions Nursing Practice Question
Local anesthetics block the conduction of pain impulses to the spinal cord. Their duration of action:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Local anesthetics block pain transmission by inhibiting nerve conduction. Their duration of action is primarily influenced by the rate of diffusion and absorption at the site of administration (B). This means that factors such as tissue perfusion and the formulation of the anesthetic can affect how long the anesthetic lasts.
Option A is incorrect; local anesthetics can have shorter or longer durations than general anesthesia, depending on the specific agents used. Option C inaccurately suggests a uniform short duration, as local anesthetics can last from minutes to several hours. Option D is misleading; while a patient's weight may influence dosage, it does not directly determine the duration of action of the anesthetic itself.