Week 11 Case Study

Question 1

Mr G is a 75-year-old man who has returned to the ward from the operating theatre following prostatectomy. On return, he has an epidural infusion for analgesia

Answer 1

Questions and answers to follow

Question 2

Where is epidural analgesia inserted?

Answer 2

The epidural anaesthetic is inserted between the dura mater the vertebral wall

Question 3

What drugs are commonly used for epidural analgesia?

Answer 3

Morphine surface (duramorph)
Fentanyl Citrate (Sublimaze)
Sufentanil Citrate (Sufenta)

Question 4

What are common adverse effects of epidural analgesia?

Answer 4

Hypotension
Nausea
Vomiting
Light headedness
Dizziness

Question 5

What specific observations would you undertake while the epidural analgesia is in progress?

Answer 5

RR
BP
LOC
PR
Pain score
Nausea and vomiting
Pulse Oximetry

Question 6

What potential complications may arise from epidural analgesia?

Answer 6

Hypotension, hypoxaemia, arrhythmias, tachycardia, tinnitus tingling around lips and mouth, respiratory and cardiac arrest