Peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) are regional anesthetic techniques in which local anesthetics are injected near specific peripheral nerves to selectively block sensory and/or motor transmission within a defined anatomical region. In clinical practice, PNBs may be used as the primary anesthetic method for surgeries involving the upper or lower extremities, such as shoulder, arm, forearm,
The classification of analgesics as long- or short-acting reflects differences in formulation design and drug behavior within the body. Short-acting opioids, such as immediate-release morphine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone, are typically used for acute or breakthrough pain. They require dosing every few hours due to their rapid absorption and clearance. In contrast, long-acting formulations are designed
Patients using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, including hybrid closed-loop pump systems with continuous glucose monitoring, are increasingly encountered in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). Safe care requires early verification of device function, regular blood glucose checks, and clear criteria for whether to continue the pump or transition to insulin administered intravenously or subcutaneously. On admission
Physostigmine is a drug that inhibits the action of cholinesterase, which breaks down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in muscle movement and the function of brain neurons. It is useful across a range of conditions in which a deficiency of acetylcholine is present or in which it is useful to promote an
Claustrophobia, the intense fear of confined or enclosed spaces, can pose unique challenges in medical environments, where patients may need to be in diagnostic or procedural settings that trigger their claustrophobia. Whether for an MRI scan, surgery, or dental work, patients with claustrophobia may experience heightened anxiety, panic attacks, or outright refusal of treatment. For
Motility describes the spontaneous movement of cells or organs through metabolic activity, such as the contractions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It is important to understand how anesthesia, a key component of smooth surgical operation, affects digestive motility. These analyses can help prevent intraoperative and postoperative complications, such as increased surgical time, bowel distension, or
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing various industries, including healthcare. AI has the potential to be applied to many areas of healthcare, ranging from diagnostics to health administration. Health insurance companies, in particular, are racing to leverage AI technologies to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver more personalized services. AI is reshaping key areas such
In the operating room (OR), the use of antibiotics is an essential practice aimed at preventing infections, which can lead to serious complications in surgical patients. Antibiotics are administered either prophylactically to prevent infection or therapeutically to treat existing infection. Understanding which antibiotics are commonly used in the OR, how they work, and their appropriate
Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity (LAST) is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication that can occur following the administration of local anesthetics. It occurs when local anesthetics reach supratherapeutic levels in systemic circulation, leading to adverse effects on the central nervous and cardiovascular systems. Clinical management of LAST relies on its rapid identification and a subsequent
Recognition of pain in the post-operative period – whether due to patients reporting their pain or clinical appraisal of pain – is imperative for adequate analgesic management. As anesthesia used during the procedure wears off, maintaining an appropriate level of pain relief is essential for patient outcomes and recovery. Common tools for pain reporting in