Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a contraindication to the use of lidocaine during anesthesia?

1. Hypersensitivity to lidocaine

2. History of hypertension

3. Presence of asthma

4. Previous use of anesthetic agents

The correct answer is: Hypersensitivity to lidocaine

A hypersensitivity to lidocaine is considered a contraindication for its use during anesthesia because administering the drug to an individual with such an allergy can trigger severe allergic reactions, which may lead to symptoms like anaphylaxis. These reactions can pose significant risks to the patient's safety during anesthesia, as they can result in respiratory distress, cardiovascular instability, and potentially life-threatening situations. In contrast, the other options reflect conditions that may require additional consideration but do not outright prohibit the use of lidocaine. For instance, a history of hypertension may necessitate caution in monitoring the patient’s hemodynamics but does not contraindicate lidocaine use. Similarly, the presence of asthma usually does not prevent the use of lidocaine unless there is a specific allergy to the medication or concerns about potential asthma exacerbation. Lastly, previous use of anesthetic agents is common among patients and does not inherently indicate a contraindication to lidocaine, unless there was an adverse response specifically linked to that agent.