It should be remembered that life support equipment such as oxygen, ventilation apparatus, airways, laryngoscopes, endotracheal tubes, adequate suction devices and muscle relaxant paralyzing drugs are minimum requirements in the event that a patient receives an overdose of local anesthetic or has an allergic reaction. All medications necessary to support a successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation must be available before any anesthetic is begun. These are general guidelines only. The smallest total dose necessary to accomplish satisfactory anesthesia should always be used. Consider patient age, physical status, debility, etc, in determining dosages Dosage limits for infiltration, epidural, and major nerve block are calculated assuming epinephrine is added to solutions.
Plasma levels vary widely within anatomical site of nerve block or infiltration.
Do not exceed 600 mg in the adult. Regional Anesthesia Regional anesthesia can be a valuable and efficient technique in combat surgery. Shortly after establishment of the block, the anesthetist's attention can usually be directed intermittently elsewhere without jeopardizing the safety of the patient. The advantages of regional anesthesia include the absence of nausea, vomiting, aspiration, and other pulmonary complications, and decreased bleeding. Major nerve blocks are particularly appropriate for isolated extremity injuries.