Neuraxial blocks section 2 Flashcards
Transection of the C6 posterior nerve root will cause:
A. diaphragmatic paralysis
B. impaired sympathetic outflow to the C6 distribution
C. Sensory block of the thumb
D. Motor deficit of the middle finger
C. sensory block of the thumb
Posterior nerve roots are
sensory
Anterior nerve roots are
motor and autonomic
_______ is an area of skin that’s innervated by a dorsal nerve root (sensory) from the spinal cord
A dermatome
Key dermatome: C6
thumb
Key dermatome: C7
2nd and 3rd digits
Key dermatome: C8
4th and 5th digits
Key dermatomes: T4
nipple line
Key dermatomes: T6
Xiphoid process
Key dermatomes: T10
umbilicus
Key dermatomes: L4
anterior knee
The spinal cord has ____ paired spinal nerves
31
A sensory level of T4 is needed for the following surgical procedures:
upper abdominal surgery
C-section
cystectomy
A sensory level of T6-T7 is needed for the following surgical procedures:
lower abdominal surgery
appendectomy
A sensory level of T10 is needed for the following surgical procedures:
Total hip arthroplasty, vaginal delivery, TURP
A sensory level of L1-L3 (inguinal ligament) is needed for the following surgical procedures:
lower extremity surgery
A sensory level of L2-L3 is needed for the following surgical procedures:
foot surgery
A sensory level of S2-S5 is needed for the following surgical procedures:
hemorrhoidectomy
Describe the dosing guidelines for a epidural catheter placed at T2-T6 (upper thoracic).
5-10 mL local anesthetic
Describe the dosing guidelines for an epidural catheter placed at T6-L1 (lower thoracic)
10-20 mL
Describe the dosing guidelines for an epidural catheter placed at L2-L5
20 mL local
Key benefits of a well-executed thoracic epidural technique (compared to a lumbar epidural) include:
superior analgesia
minimizes the surgical stress response
reduces the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications
can spare the nerves that innervate the legs, which will allow for postoperative ambulation
When a thoracic epidural is combined with GA, cardiopulmonary considerations include a higher risk of:
bradycardia (blockade of cardioaccelerator nerves T1-T4)
Hypotension (decreased cardiac output & vasodilation)
changes in airway resistance (increased vagal influence on airways)