Residual Neuromuscular Blockade

AANA J. 2016 Feb;84(1):57-65.

Abstract

This article provides an update on residual neuromuscular blockade for nurse anesthetists. The neuromuscular junction, pharmacology for producing and reversing neuromuscular blockade, monitoring sites and methods, and patient implications relating to incomplete reversal of neuromuscular blockade are reviewed. Overall recommendations include using multiple settings when employing a peripheral nerve stimulator for monitoring return of neuromuscular function and administering pharmacologic reversal when the train-of-four ratio is below 0.9.

MeSH terms

  • Anesthesia, General / adverse effects*
  • Delayed Emergence from Anesthesia / chemically induced*
  • Delayed Emergence from Anesthesia / nursing*
  • Education, Nursing, Continuing
  • Humans
  • Neuromuscular Blockade / adverse effects*
  • Nurse Anesthetists / education*
  • Postoperative Period