Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: PURPOSE: Currently, there is a notable gap in the nursing literature addressing guidance for the care of pediatric surgical patients receiving peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs). This article aims to bridge that gap by equipping pediatric surgical nurses with essential knowledge on the postoperative care of pediatric patients receiving PNBs, including indications for use, targeted areas of analgesia, common local anesthesia medications, potential complications, and key aspects of nursing care. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to locate current evidence-based practice articles on pediatric regional anesthesia in the category of PNBs. Databases searched included PubMed, CINAHL, Ovid, and the University of Pittsburgh Health Sciences Library System. Key words included in the search were pediatric peripheral nerve block, pediatric regional anesthesia, peripheral nerve block complications, nursing care peripheral nerve block, and nursing care regional anesthesia. The clinical guidelines on the management of postoperative pain from the American Pain Society, the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists was reviewed to ensure best practices. RESULTS: Drawing from the evidence base, core components of nursing management were identified. Primary considerations include understanding the pharmacology of local anesthetics, proper care of infusion pumps and catheters, assessment of the insertion site, comprehensive pain evaluation, sensory and motor function monitoring, early identification of complications, and family and patient education. CONCLUSION: A review of the literature and professional guidelines highlighted the essential components of nursing care. This information supported the development of informed, evidence-based practices contained within this manuscript. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Nurses are critical in providing high-quality patient care, particularly with respect to pain management in pediatric surgical settings. With the increasing use of regional anesthesia for postoperative pain management, it is essential for nursing staff to have a comprehensive understanding of its benefits and applications. Enhancing pediatric surgical nurses' knowledge of PNBs ensures proper management, optimizes patient comfort and safety, and contributes to improved clinical outcomes.
Source: Pain Management Nursing
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,350
OpenAlex ID: W4416445342