Regional Anesthesia for Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: An Overview for the Bedside Nurse

Background Regional anesthesia techniques are becoming increasingly used to reduce postoperative pain, reduce opioid use, and improve other outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Objective To provide critical care nurses with an overview of regional anesthesia techniques for cardiac surgery patients and to discuss considerations for bedside nurses to ensure safe, effective, and patient-centered care. Methods A review of current literature was performed to provide a summary of fascial plane block techniques and the benefits, risks, and implications of their use for patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The role of bedside critical care nurses was examined. Results Regional anesthesia has been shown to improve postoperative pain scores, shorten intensive care unit and hospital stays, reduce several postoperative complications, and improve other patient-centered outcomes for cardiac surgery patients. Critical care nurses perform crucial roles during placement of the blocks, when monitoring patients for adverse effects of local anesthesia, and by providing patient education and managing patients’ expectations. Discussion Regional anesthesia is an important tool in the care of patients undergoing cardiac surgery, and studies support its benefits for patient outcomes. However, further research is needed to develop and optimize evidence-based protocols for clinicians and perioperative care teams. Conclusion As regional anesthesia becomes a routine component of post–cardiac surgery care, critical care nurses must be familiar with block techniques (administration and implication), monitoring protocols, and management of potential adverse events to optimize patient outcomes.