allowing the anesthe-
sia provider to focus
solely on placing the
block.
They also play an
important role in
patient safety. "Block
nurses should conduct
a baseline neurologi-
cal assessment of the
target extremity to
document the level of
weakness, tingling and numbness before blocks are placed," says Ms.
Winchester. "After placement, nurses should talk to patients and their
family members, informing them that the blocked extremity will be
numb and its strength will likely be affected."
Limiting risks
Complications can occur when you send patients home with
indwelling catheters and pain pumps. The catheter can kink or clog
and the pump can malfunction, meaning the patient won't get the
analgesic needed to prevent breakthrough pain. The other, more seri-
ous complications to watch for are infection, bleeding, migration of
the catheter and the catheter getting ripped or torn with a residual
piece remaining inside the patient. These are all potential and worri-
some possibilities.
"Call patients at home — several times a day if necessary — to
ensure the pain pump is working as intended, the patient's pain is ade-
quately controlled and to answer any questions they might have," says
Dr. Margulis.
N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 9 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 1 0 1
• A BETTER LOOK Ultrasound guidance allows for easier and better placement of
peripheral blocks by letting anesthesia providers target specific nerve bundles.
