Upper Ext Blocks Flashcards
In preparation for a peripheral nerve block, resuscitation equipment…
MUST be readily available
What is the absolute minimum that must be on for a block?
pulse ox
What monitors should you want on during the block
EKG, pulse Ox, BP cuff, O2 via nasal cannula
not typically EtCO2 monitoring
What type of needles are used for a block?
B-bevel, tubing, stimulating (insulated), echoic
When using a nerve stimulator, where does the positive and negative electrode go?
Positive = Patient Negative = Needle
How many times must the patient identify the area being blocked?
At least twice
Prep and drape must be done in..
sterile form
Superficial Cervical Block:
Indications
Superficial surgery of the neck and shoulder, thyroid, CEA
Superficial Cervical Block:
Position
Head relaxed turned to opposite side
Superficial Cervical Block:
Landmarks
Mastoid process
Transverse process of C6
(Should be easily palpable behind clavicular head of SCM just below level of cricoid)
Posterior border of SCM
Superficial Cervical Block:
What landmarks would you use to draw a line to determine site of injection
Draw line from mastoid to C-6, midpoint is point of needle insertion
Superficial Cervical Block:
What type of block is this?
Field block
Superficial Cervical Block:
Field Block:
How much (mL)?
____ &____ redirections along the posterior border of SCM
Sub-q posterior and behind SCM no more than _____
10-15ml
Superior and Inferior
1 cm deep
Superficial Cervical Block:
Complications (8)
Infection* Hematoma* Phrenic Nerve Block LA toxicity* Nerve injury* Inadvertant Subarachnoid or Epidural TIA Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve block
What is the most important part of any procedure?
Knowing how to handle the complications
Interscalene Block:
Indication
Shoulder
Lateral 2/3 of clavicle
Proximal humorous
Shoulder joint
APEX: shoulder, elbow, arm (NOT for procedures below elbow)
Interscalene Block:
Position
Supine, slight elevation of head, head turned slightly away, shoulder relaxed and pushed down
Interscalene Block:
Landmarks
Sternal head of SCM
Clavicular head of SCM
Upper border of cricoid cartilage
Clavical
Interscalene Block:
How many ml LA?
20-30 ml
Interscalene Block:
How do you ID area and insert needle?
Elevate head to ID SCM
Palpate just behind SCM for Scalene groove
Needle inserted at level of C6 perpendicular to skin
Advance to stimulation or parasthesia BELOW shoulder
When doing an interscalene block, simulation or paresthesia at the shoulder means what?
Could be suprascapular nerve
Interscalene Block:
Complications
Spinal or Epidural Intervertebral injection Neuropathy* Mechanical plexus injury: Infection* Pneumothorax * LA toxicity* Phrenic nerve block Horner’s syndrome (this is a sign of a successful block!)
Which nerve is likely to be spared during an interscalene block?
Ulnar nerve C8-T1
Supraclavicular Block:
Indications
Any surgery on upper ext NOT involving shoulder (excellent for hand/wrist)
no involvement of axillary or suprascapular nerves
Supraclavicular Block:
Could you do a BL block?
NOOOOO
BL phrenic nerve block
(also this is true for interscalene block - actually at a higher rate so I don’t know why she didn’t include this for interscalene…)
Supraclavicular Block:
Anatomy
Brachial Plexus runs with the ______ artery lower in the ______
subclavian artery
interscalene triangle