How do you give an epidural infusion?
An epidural infusion is a way of giving pain medicine. The medicine is given through a small tube called a catheter into the epidural space. The epidural space goes from the bottom of the skull to the tip of the tailbone. While your child is asleep, the doctor will put a catheter into your child’s back.
What is an epidural infusion?
A continuous epidural infusion is the placement of a temporary catheter into your spine used as a short screening trial for the intrathecal pump (“spinal pain pump”). This allows patients to use a much lower dose of medication to control their pain, therefore reducing side effects.
Why would an epidural infusion be used?
Continuous epidural infusion is often used to treat pain after surgery. It is often put into place before a surgery. It can stay in place for the first few days of recovery. An epidural is also used when it may give better pain relief than pain medicines taken by mouth (oral) or put into a vein.
What monitoring is required for patients prescribed an epidural infusion?
All patients on an epidural infusion should be catheterised and have their urine output monitored. Leg weakness can occur if the motor nerves become blocked by the local anaesthetic. Leg weakness should be monitored regularly as set out on the epidural chart.
What is the nursing care assessment for a patient with an epidural catheter?
Initial Assessment This will include the prescription and pump setting, the position of the epidural catheter, the sensory block (dermatome spread) and the motor block (Bromage). A pain assessment should also be documented at this time.
What are side effects of epidural?
Side effects Epidural
- Low blood pressure. It’s normal for your blood pressure to fall a little when you have an epidural.
- Loss of bladder control.
- Itchy skin.
- Feeling sick.
- Inadequate pain relief.
- Headache.
- Slow breathing.
- Temporary nerve damage.
What is the most serious complication of epidural analgesia?
The most common complications occurring with epidural analgesia are maternal hypotension and postdural puncture headache. Retrospective studies have demonstrated an association between epidural analgesia and increases in duration of labor, instrumental vaginal delivery and cesarean section for labor.
Is the epidural covered by insurance?
Not only that, if you plan to get an epidural, the anesthesiologist may not be covered by your insurance. And they’re “infamous” for being out of network, says Donovan. She recommends asking about that during your phone call, as well.
What are the complications of epidural anaesthesia?
How do you monitor an epidural?
Appropriate monitoring during obstetric epidural analgesia consists of: 1. Indirect BP and pulse monitoring before epidural insertion, frequently after every dose, and intermittently thereafter. 2. The aspiration test before all injections.
What should you monitor after epidural anesthesia?
Monitor fetal heart rate and maternal vital signs and sedation level before, during, and after epidural placement and notify provider of abnormalities. 2.3. 7. Assess for adverse side effects of epidural.
What position should a patient be in with an epidural?
The standard positions recommended for an epidural anesthetic are sitting and lateral decubitus positions with an optimal flexion of the back. [3] It was suggested that these positions open up the inter-vertebral spaces wide enough to conveniently access the epidural compartment.