Name a common complication associated with the administration of local anesthesia.

Hematoma formation is a recognized complication that can occur following the administration of local anesthesia, especially when a needle inadvertently punctures a blood vessel during the injection process. This can lead to localized bleeding under the skin, resulting in swelling and discoloration at the injection site. Hematomas are particularly common in areas where vascular structures are abundant, such as the maxillary region of the face or in the posterior superior alveolar nerve block.

Understanding the circumstances leading to hematoma formation is important for practitioners to minimize risks during injections. Proper technique, including the use of aspiration to check for blood return before injecting, can significantly reduce the likelihood of this complication. Additionally, applying direct pressure to the site immediately after injection can help minimize bleeding.

While the other options may be serious and rare complications associated with local anesthesia, such as anaphylaxis, pneumothorax, and cardiac arrest, they are not as directly correlated with the common practice of local anesthetic administration as hematoma formation is.