Question

A patient expresses concern after his heart begins to race after receiving local anesthesia prior to a dental procedure. What is the likely cause of this condition?

a) Allergic reaction to the anesthetic
b) High blood pressure
c) Anxiety or adrenaline release
d) Overdose of the anesthetic

Answer 1

The likely cause of the patient's heart racing after receiving local anesthesia prior to a dental procedure is anxiety or adrenaline release.

Step-by-step explanation:

The likely cause of the patient's heart racing after receiving local anesthesia prior to a dental procedure is anxiety or adrenaline release. Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is a hormone that is released during moments of stress or excitement. It has a stimulatory effect on heart rate and can cause the heart to race. This is a normal response to stress or anxiety and should subside once the patient is calm.