A small compilation of nurse anesthesia care plans

These anesthesia care plans are meant to inspire nurse anesthesia residents when they are making their care plans. Always make sure you fully understand and "own" your care plan. Your plan must be specific for your patient and should always be with the most up-to-date information.

A-line Placement

Indications

Hemodynamic instability

Controlled hypotension

Vasoactive drip titration

Major surgery

ABG/blood draws

Pre-assessment

Allen's test (non-conclusive)/collateral flow

Infection

AV shunt in limb

Supplies

A-line kit
Chlorhexidine prep

1% lidocaine prep if pt awake

20–22-gauge angiographic catheter and needle

Arm board

Sterile dressing

Tape

Transducer set up and NS bag with a pressure bag

Placement

Radial artery: Supinate the arm, dorsiflex the wrist, and secure its position

Brachial artery: Supinate the arm with the elbow extended

Axillary artery: Abduct the arm and externally rotate it

Femoral artery: Position the patient supine with the leg extended at the hip

Dorsalis pedis artery: Position the patient supine with the leg extended

Palpate artery, infiltrate site with Lidocaine 1%

Insert at a 30-40 degree angle; when the blood returns, drop to 0 degrees and advance 1-2mm

Catheter over needle or catheter over wire approach

Remove the needle or wire and connect the catheter to the transducer. Secure line.

Complications

Kinking, blockage, vasospasm

Rare: Pseudo aneurysm, AV fistula