F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 9 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 1 5
W
rong-site blocks represent nearly one-fourth of all wrong-
site procedures, yet we hear precious little about nerve
block safety. Block site marks aren't always visible, so
patients at Memorial Healthcare System in Hollywood, Fla., wear a
highlighter-green-colored wristband on the side where the anesthesiol-
ogist will do the block. "Nerve blocks need to be performed during
the short time window between surgical procedures, which can
increase both time pressure and the risk of distraction of the anesthe-
siologist," says Donald E. Martin, MD, past president of the
Pennsylvania Society of Anesthesiologists.
How to Avoid Wrong-Site Nerve Blocks
• PROPER PLACEMENT A wristband confirms the correct side of the body on which to place the nerve block.
Memorial
Healthcare
System