Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Anesthetics are classified as general or what according to how they act on the body?

1. Local

2. Regional

3. Topical

4. Systemic

The correct answer is: Local

Anesthetics are classified as general or local based on their effects on the body. General anesthetics induce a state of unconsciousness and loss of sensation throughout the entire body, making them suitable for major surgeries. In contrast, local anesthetics are used to numb a specific area of the body while the patient remains conscious, allowing for minor procedures to be performed without pain in that localized area. Regional anesthetics, while related, involve a larger area and are not classified alongside local anesthetics in this context. Topical anesthetics apply directly to the skin or mucous membranes, providing numbing effects only at the application site, which further differentiates them from local anesthetics. Systemic anesthetics affect the body as a whole, but this term doesn't specifically categorize them in the same way as local anesthetics do. Therefore, the classification emphasizing local anesthetics accurately reflects their intended use and mechanism of action.