To reduce the risk of side effects from local anaesthetic injections, which practice is not recommended?

Injecting rapidly is not recommended as it can increase the risk of side effects from local anaesthetic injections. When a local anaesthetic is injected quickly, it may lead to higher peak plasma levels of the drug, increasing the likelihood of systemic toxicity. Rapid injection can also cause tissue trauma, which can lead to pain and swelling, further complicating the patient’s recovery and comfort.

In contrast, aspirating before injection is a critical practice to ensure that the needle is not in a blood vessel, helping to prevent systemic absorption of the anesthetic. Using the smallest effective volume minimizes the total amount of anesthetic administered, thereby reducing the risk of adverse effects. Finally, using the weakest efficient percentage strength helps to achieve the desired anaesthetic effect while minimizing potential toxicity. These practices collectively contribute to safer administration of local anaesthetics.