Windows into Related Disciplines Anaesthesiology Local anaesthetic systemic toxicity: A critical consideration for OR nurses
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5737/ornac14501Abstract
Local anaesthetics (LAs) are medications administered by many types of healthcare workers, including anaesthesiologists, dentists, surgeons, emergency department physicians, and nurses. Local anaesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) refers to a spectrum of clinical manifestations arising from excessive absorption of LAs. Although reported incidences of major LAST events is very low (0.04–1.8/1000 for nerve blocks), likely due to increased awareness and preventive protocols, their potential to cause life-threatening cardiovascular and neurological complications necessitates vigilance. Understanding the toxic thresholds of different LAs (Table 1) and recognizing early symptoms is crucial for timely intervention and effective management.
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