Lower Peripheral Nerve Blocks Flashcards
What is one of the most important things to continue doing when administering a PNB?
Keep talking to the patient! This ensures rapid identification of any systemic neurological effects from the LA
*can also help reduce anxiety
Why is a benzodiazepine usually administered concurrently or before administration of the PNB?
to reduce anxiety, promote amnesic effects and to reduce the potential risk of LA toxicity (seizures)
What class of drugs should not really be used with COPD patients when giving a PNB?
narcotics. should not use as a sedative because it has a synergistic effect with the benzos and may decrease respiratory drive further
What are the absolute contraindications for PNB?
patient refusal, patient won’t cooperate (AMS, dementia, hyperactivity), skin infection, sepsis
What are some relative contraindications to PNB?
neurologic deficits (just make sure that you document really well what those deficits are if you’re going to proceed)
coagulopathies (just check what specific values are off and the magnitude of the difference)
What are the risks of PNB?
local toxicity, systemic toxicity, permanent or long-lasting neuroblockade, incomplete blocks, uncomfortable positioning
What is the risk of using ester LAs?
Body breaks them down to PABA which has a higher risk of causing an allergic reaction
How are amide LAs cleared by the body?
via hepatic metabolism, less risk of allergy
What is the purpose of using epinephrine with the LA?
causes local vasoconstriction which can decreased systemic absorption of the LA
Under what circumstances should you not use epinephrine?
when you’re doing a distal PNB - like on the ankle, fingers, penis, etc.
It CAN cause severe peripheral vasoconstriction and ultimately results in ischemia to the end organ.
List MAX rate of absorption to MIN rate of absorption
intercostals caudal epidural brachial plexus sciatic lumbar plexus femoral
What should you do if your patient complains of a “weird” or “metallic” taste?
proceed with caution… maybe slow down. It isn’t a sign of systemic toxicity but you need to be aware of it
What are some S&S of CNS toxicity with a PNB?
lightheadedness, double vision, disorientation, tinnitus, seizures, CNS depression
What are the progressive levels of systemic toxicity during PNB?
CNS toxicity –> respiratory depression –> cardiac effects
What is the MAJOR way to avoid intravascular injection of the LA?
ASPIRATE before every 5 mL injection
If you’re giving a high volume of LA you should give a **** concentration of the drug
LOW
If you’re giving a smaller volume of LA, you should give a **** concentration
higher…. but should be used with extreme caution
think about patients body weight before giving a large dose
What has become the gold standard for localization of the nerves during PNB?
Ultrasound guided identification
What specific type of needle should you use if you’re going to locate the nerve using NS?
an insulated needle
What are you cutting off when you block the sciatic nerve?
ventral branches of L4-S3
foot, lower extremity distal to the knee and the posterior leg
What are the major landmarks during a sciatic block?
Greater trochanter and the posterior superior iliac spine… go to the middle of that line and drop down about 5 cm to find the nerve.
If you’re attempting a sciatic nerve block using NS and you see persistent eversion of the foot, what should you do?
move your needle medially
you were too far lateral (sitting in the common peroneal nerve)