A 34-year-old carpenter presents to the emergency room after an accident in which he inadvertently chopped off the tip of his index finger. He is taken to the operating room for reattachment of the digit, and after sedation, a local anesthetic is administered around the site of the injury. The local anesthetic used in the procedure did not contain any epinephrine, as it usually does for most surgical procedures. The reason for this is
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Epinephrine causes vasoconstriction, which can lead to vascular ischemia in digits. In delicate surgeries like finger reattachment, maintaining adequate blood flow is crucial for successful outcomes. Using epinephrine can constrict blood vessels excessively, leading to reduced blood supply and potential tissue damage. This can result in vascular ischemia, compromising the viability of the reattached finger.
Explanation for incorrect choices:
A: Epinephrine actually helps in reducing blood loss by constricting blood vessels.
B: Epinephrine reduces tissue swelling, making surgery easier.
C: Epinephrine is not contraindicated in emergency surgery; it is often used to control bleeding and prolong anesthesia.