What must be done before administering a local anesthetic?

Before administering a local anesthetic, obtaining informed consent from the patient is a crucial step. Informed consent ensures that the patient understands the procedure, its purpose, the risks involved, and any potential side effects. This process respects the patient's autonomy and right to make decisions regarding their medical care.

Informed consent is also a legal and ethical obligation that protects both the patient and the healthcare provider. When consent is obtained, it affirms that the patient is aware of what to expect and has had the opportunity to ask questions, ensuring that they are comfortable proceeding with the administration of the local anesthetic.

While notifying the family, administering sedatives, and performing a physical examination may be important in certain contexts, they do not specifically relate to the necessity of securing the patient's consent prior to the use of anesthetics. Thus, the focus on informed consent stands out as the foundational step before proceeding with the local anesthetic procedure.