Before a wound can be cleaned and/or closed, the use of a local anaesthetic such as lidocaine is often required to enable the nurse to assess the wound thoroughly and plan the optimal method of repair. This article explains how to administer lidocaine safely and effectively, including how to infiltrate a wound with lidocaine before cleaning or suturing. There are potentially serious consequences associated with the use of local anaesthesia, but careful preparation will ensure patient safety and contribute towards a positive patient experience.
The nurse should have an understanding of how lidocaine functions, the speed at which it will take effect, and the duration of the mode of action.
The nurse should have knowledge and awareness of the risks associated with the use of lidocaine to ensure patient safety.
The nurse should prepare the equipment and the patient for the procedure.
How to articles can help to update your practice and ensure it remains evidence-based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of:
How this article might improve your practice.
How you could use this information to educate your patients and colleagues on the appropriate technique for administering lidocaine in wounds.
Nursing Standard. 32, 4, 41-48. doi: 10.7748/ns.2017.e10872
Correspondence Peer reviewThis article has been subject to external double-blind peer review and checked for plagiarism using automated software
Conflict of interestNone declared
Received: 20 March 2017
Accepted: 22 August 2017
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