Which of the following is a potential risk of systemic toxicity from local anesthetics?

Systemic toxicity from local anesthetics can indeed manifest in a variety of serious clinical signs, and each of the listed conditions is a potential consequence of such toxicity.

Hypotension can occur due to the vasodilatory effects of local anesthetics, decreasing systemic vascular resistance and leading to a drop in blood pressure. This can impact perfusion to vital organs and potentially contribute to further systemic complications.

Seizures are another significant risk associated with local anesthetic toxicity. If high plasma levels of the anesthetic are achieved, they can affect the central nervous system. Local anesthetics can depress inhibitory pathways, leading to hyperexcitability of neurons and the potential for seizure activity.

Cardiac arrest is a critical consequence that can arise from severe local anesthetic toxicity. Local anesthetics can interfere with cardiac conduction, leading to arrhythmias, decreased myocardial contractility, and ultimately the risk of cardiac arrest, particularly in cases of high systemic levels.

Since all these conditions—hypotension, seizures, and cardiac arrest—can arise from systemic toxicity of local anesthetics, identifying that all these adverse effects are possible highlights the importance of proper dosing, monitoring, and readiness to manage potential toxicities in clinical practice. Consequently, recognizing the comprehensive range of risks associated