Identify a potential complication of epidural anesthesia.

Epidural hematoma is a known potential complication of epidural anesthesia. This occurs when blood accumulates in the epidural space, often due to vascular injury during needle insertion or catheter placement. The presence of an epidural hematoma can lead to significant neurological impairment if not diagnosed and managed promptly. It may result in compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing symptoms such as pain, weakness, or loss of sensation in the lower extremities. The risk for this complication can be influenced by factors such as the technique used, the patient's anatomy, and underlying coagulopathy.

The other options, while related to anesthesia, do not specifically align with epidural anesthesia complications. Pneumothorax is typically associated with thoracic procedures or placements involving the pleural space, and hypotension can occur during various types of anesthetic techniques, but it is a more general effect rather than a direct complication exclusive to epidural anesthesia. Respiratory depression is primarily associated with systemic effects from opioids or general anesthetics rather than the technique of epidural anesthesia itself, especially when local anesthetics are used. Hence, while all these complications can be relevant in different scenarios, epidural hematoma is the most direct and serious complication specifically linked to the practice