Article C26102

Regional Anesthesia for Cardiac Surgery: What Critical Care Nurses Should Know

Author(s): Zachary Feldt, BSc, John McNeil, MD, Neal Parikh, BSN, Janelle Georgiana, BSN, Paul D. Gallo, MD

Contact Hours 1.00

CERP A 1.00

Expires Oct 01, 2029

Topics: Pain Management, Cardiovascular

Population: Adult

Role: APRN, Staff

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Activity Summary

Before you Begin

1. Reflect on the following question: What new knowledge or perspective do you hope to gain from this activity?

2. Review: Implicit Bias and its Impact on Patient Outcomes (License requirement for California)

Description

This article reviews the use of regional anesthesia techniques in cardiac surgery and their impact on patient outcomes. Evidence suggests these approaches improve postoperative pain control, reduce opioid use, shorten ICU and hospital stays, and decrease complications. The article highlights common block techniques, associated risks, and safety considerations, while emphasizing the critical role of bedside nurses in monitoring patients, identifying adverse effects, providing education, and supporting recovery. As regional anesthesia becomes increasingly common in cardiac surgery, nurses should understand its indications, applications, monitoring requirements, and management considerations to optimize patient outcomes and provide safe, effective care.

Objectives

  • Describe the indications, anatomy, and techniques of common fascial plane blocks used in cardiac surgery.
  • Explain the benefits and potential complications of regional anesthesia for patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
  • Recognize nursing responsibilities during block placement and in monitoring for efficacy and complications.

Continuing Education Disclosure Statement

Criteria for Awarding Contact Hours

Learners must complete the entire activity and the associated evaluation AND read Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes. No partial credit will be awarded.

Accreditation

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider number CEP 1036, for {contactHours} contact hours.

Disclosures

The Nurse Planner has determined that no individuals with the ability to control content of this activity have relevant relationships with ineligible companies.

Activities with pharmacotherapeutic credit are to assist the APRN in fulfilling their education requirements for licensure and certification renewals.

Refund Policy

Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.