How to Care for a Peripheral Nerve Block Catheter
General Information Site and Pump Care
A peripheral nerve block catheter delivers □ Keep the clear plastic dressing clean and dry.
numbing medicine near some of the nerves □ If the edges of the dressing begin to curl or
that give feeling to your surgery site. roll, add another dressing to secure it in place.
The block reduces your feeling of pain but Do not remove the dressing until it is time to
may not take away all pain. Even with a remove the catheter.
nerve block, most patients still need to take □ You may have some drainage or leaking at the
prescription pain medicine. catheter insertion site. Drainage at the insertion
site is not a concern as long as your pain is
Peripheral nerve blocks affect the nerves under control.
that control pain, feeling and movement. □ The pump will be placed in a zippered pack. You
The nerve block may cause numbness, may wear the pack wherever it is comfortable.
tingling, heaviness, warmth, weakness, or Avoid dropping the pump because it may cause
an inability to move your affected arm or the catheter to move or come out.
leg. Effects of the nerve block will stop when □ You may not take a shower or bath until the
the medicine wears off. catheter is removed. Once the catheter is
removed, follow your surgeon’s directions.
How to Manage Your Pump
What to do When the Pump is Empty
There is nothing you need to do. The pump
delivers medicine nonstop. When the pump is empty of fluid, remove the
catheter. It will be empty 2 to 3 days after surgery.
There is a dial on the pump tubing that
controls how fast the medicine is delivered. How to Remove the Pump and Catheter
The dial is set to deliver the medicine at
8 – 12 ml/hr (follow instructions given in recovery). □ Wash your hands.
□ Remove the white sticker and all the
clear plastic dressing.
For increased pain at home, the dial can □ The catheter may pull out when you remove the
be turned to 14 ml/hr to deliver the medicine plastic dressing.
faster. Leave the dial at 14 ml/hr □ Pull the catheter out slowly and steadily.
for 3 hours, then turn it back to the previous rate □ The catheter should pull out easily and should
(8,10, or 12). You can turn it up as often as you like. not hurt. If you have problems removing it or if
you feel pain, stop and call the anesthesiologist.
It will be 24 to 40 hours before the ball-shaped □ Check the end of the catheter for a black or silver
pump appears smaller. The pump is working tip. If there is no black or silver tip, call the
as long as your pain is under control. You will anesthesiologist.
see more wrinkles on the outside of the pump □ There may be some clear drainage at the site if
as it is working. the pump has just emptied. This should cause
no concern. Cover the site with a bandage if
If your pain is not under control, make sure needed.
the white plastic clamp on the tubing is open □ Throw both the pump and catheter in the
and the tubing is not kinked. garbage.
Precautions Symptoms
You may have some loss of feeling or loss of control If you had shoulder surgery, you may have
at or around your affected arm or leg. Do not drive or the following non-concerning symptoms
operate heavy machines and do not put any weight on your surgical side:
on your affected arm or leg until your surgeon says □ Red eye
it is OK. □ Unequal pupils
□ Droopy eye
General Pain Information □ Hoarse voice □ Mild shortness of breath when lying flat;
It is normal to have more feeling to your surgery Resting and sleeping upright helps reduce this.
site the day after surgery. Stronger numbing
medication is injected near the nerves on the These symptoms may come and go and will be less
day of surgery and will last 8 to 24 hours after noticeable or go away the day after surgery.
surgery. Be sure to take your pain pill(s) before
you go to bed on your first night home. When to Call the Anesthesiologist
You should take your pain pill(s) as prescribed by Call the anesthesiologist if you have any of the
your surgeon in addition to having this pump. If you following:
have questions or concerns regarding your □ Drowsiness
prescription pain medication(s), call your surgeon □ Lightheadedness, dizziness and/or feeling
. disoriented
□ Signs of infection at the catheter site:
- tenderness
- redness
- swelling
-drainage at the catheter site
□ Pain not controlled by the pump and your
pain pills
□ Anxiety
□ Difficulty breathing
□ Numbness around your mouth
□ Metallic taste in your mouth
□ Blurred vision
□ Ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
□ If the catheter comes out or pump become disconnected
□ Any questions or concerns
Whom to Call for Help