Rationale and key points

A local anaesthetic infusion is a prescribed method of continuous analgesia to manage post-operative pain as part of a multimodal approach, which may also include an analgesic. During the infusion, local anaesthetic is infused into the tissues surrounding the surgical incision or wound via a multi-lumen indwelling wound catheter. The aim is to manage post-operative pain and reduce the use of other analgesia such as opioids. It is essential that nurses understand the indications for this form of pain management, how to care for the patient receiving it and the potential complications. Nurses must have the knowledge and skills required to undertake this intervention safely and must work within their level of competence.

• Managing pain effectively after surgery or an injury requires multimodal analgesia, which is usually supplemented by a local anaesthetic either as a single injection or a continuous infusion.

• The nurse has an important role in maintaining patient safety by advising the patient to report any changes they experience following local anaesthetic infusion, such as heaviness in the limbs, and by undertaking regular pain assessments using a structured approach.

• Early recognition of side effects is important because the local anaesthetics used in the infusion can be both cardiotoxic and neurotoxic, therefore regular assessment and documentation are essential.

Reflective activity

‘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 when caring for a patient undergoing a local anaesthetic infusion.

• How you could use this information to educate nursing students or colleagues about the appropriate care for a patient requiring a local anaesthetic infusion.