A Patient Is Given Spinal Anesthesia for a Surgical Procedure

Multiple Choice

A patient is given spinal anesthesia for a surgical procedure on the abdomen. After several minutes, the patient states, "I can't feel my stomach," and then develops respiratory distress. The surgical team must provide respiratory assistance to maintain the patient's oxygenation levels. What is the most likely cause of this situation?

A) The patient developed a pulmonary embolism from lying on the bed for so long.
B) The spinal block moved too far toward the head, paralyzing the respiratory muscles.
C) The patient became extremely anxious when they realized that they could not feel their abdomen.
D) The patient had an unknown medical condition that caused respiratory failure.