After administering an IA nerve block, a bluish spot on the buccal mucosa is most likely indicative of which of the following?

A bluish spot on the buccal mucosa following an inferior alveolar (IA) nerve block is most indicative of a hematoma. This coloration occurs due to the accumulation of blood in the tissue, which can happen when a blood vessel is punctured during the injection process. The blue hue is a result of the deoxygenated blood pooling in the submucosal tissue, leading to the characteristic bruise-like appearance.

When an IA nerve block is administered, there is a risk of inadvertently puncturing small blood vessels in the area. If this occurs, the leaked blood collects in the surrounding tissues, causing swelling and discoloration, which manifests as a bluish spot on the buccal mucosa. Recognizing this sign is crucial for clinicians, as it can inform them about the need for additional follow-up or management.

In contrast, other conditions listed would manifest differently. An allergic reaction typically causes swelling, redness, or hives rather than localized bluish discoloration. An infection would present with signs like redness, warmth, and possibly discharge, while pus would be evident as a thick, cloudy fluid rather than just a bluish spot. Thus, the presence of the bluish spot specifically points to a hematoma as the most