ABSTRACT
Nurse anesthetists providing services in developing countries must be aware of the hazards inherent in such a mission. Proper planning and preparation are essential to insure safe, quality anesthesia care. Working conditions are austere; electrical supplies may be erratic, oxygen sources inconsistent, and up-to-date monitoring systems nonexistent. Medications and supplies will be limited, mandating conservation, reuse, and strict adherence to infection control procedures. Safe, reliable anesthesia delivery systems, preferably with the ability to scavenge waste anesthetics are required. Patients frequently have diseases endemic to the area and language barriers cause confusion and misunderstandings. The nurse anesthetist's role in these situations is multifaceted. This article describes how the nurse anesthetist must be creative, adaptable, and self-reliant to provide a high standard of anesthetic care and prevent mishaps in austere environments.
Subject(s)
Anesthesia , Developing Countries , Nurse Anesthetists , Safety , Anesthesia/adverse effects , Anesthesia/methods , Humans , Medical Missions , Quality of Health CareABSTRACT
Although the use of peripheral nerve stimulators and unsheathed needles in performing nerve blocks has been previously described, there has been a growing emphasis on the use of specific, expensive equipment to ensure success. The availability of equipment designed for use in peripheral nerve blocks, insulated needles and nerve stimulators, will help promote the use of these techniques, but the expense of purchasing this specialized equipment may contribute to a decline in performance of certain types of blocks. This article reviews the use of standard equipment, available in most anesthesia departments, for performing peripheral nerve blocks successfully.
