Anesthesia Technologist Practice Exam

The design of a needle with a tapered tip that features an injection port on the side is indicative of the Whitacre needle. This particular type of needle is specifically engineered for use in spinal anesthesia.

The tapered tip allows for easier penetration into the spinal space with minimal trauma to the surrounding tissues, while the side port enables the administration of anesthetic into the epidural or intrathecal space. This configuration helps in reducing the risk of post-dural puncture headache, which can occur when the dura mater is punctured during spinal anesthesia.

Whitacre needles are widely recognized for their effectiveness in epidural and spinal procedures, thanks to their design that facilitates a smoother transition into the targeted area without causing excessive damage. This makes it an essential tool for anesthesia technologists and anesthesiologists in providing optimal patient care during surgical procedures.