patient will be able to
understand and partici-
pate in their pain manage-
ment plan. Giving
patients time to verbalize
questions or concerns is
also key to ensuring they
have a good surgical
experience.
That's why, for us,
patient education begins
in the surgeon's office
when cases are scheduled, and continues in an educational seminar,
which all joint patients must attend before undergoing surgery. Nerve
block-specific education is expanded upon by the block room nurse in
the pre-op area, including details on how the block is performed,
expectations during the procedure and pain management techniques
to use after surgery. This education is continually improved upon
based on patient feedback. The goal is to provide patients with tools
to optimize good outcomes.
We tell patients a nerve block is similar in experience to getting
dental work with Novocain, but lasts longer. We explain that safety
and effectiveness are improved by use of ultrasound, nerve stimula-
tors and sedation. Ultrasound helps anesthesia providers locate the
best place to deliver the local anesthetic, while the stimulator is a
secondary safety check for motor nerve blocks used to ensure the
nerve that's stimulated — to the patient, the sensation is similar to a
doctor checking knee reflexes with a hammer — is the nerve we're
intending to numb. We tell patients they'll be sedated, so they'll be
relaxed and probably won't remember anything, but will still able to
J U L Y 2 0 1 9 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 1 3
• TOOLS OF THE TRADE Using standardized supplies in a dedicated block
area outside of the OR can improve surgical efficiencies.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN,
CNOR
