Scope: This protocol will cover the placement of an epidural catheter by anesthesia and syringe bolus of epidural
catheters by anesthesia on a nursing unit or progressive care unit.
Placement of an epidural catheter:
1. Place monitors on patient, which should include blood pressure, heart rate and pulse oximeter. These
should be recorded in at least 5 minute intervals throughout the monitoring and placement period. Time
out must be performed and anticoagulation status should be reviewed prior to placement.
2.
If procedural sedation/analgesia for placement of an epidural catheter is needed, do so at the level of
“minimal sedation” which is defined as sedation scores remaining in the range of alert and verbally
communicative, as defined by the Moline Roberts Scale (MRSS) sedation score of 1 to 2 or Richmond
Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) sedation score of 0 to -2, and the administration of only 1 drug 1 time for
sedation purposes. If moderate sedation is performed (2 consecutive doses of drug or 2 types of drugs) the
provider must stay with the patient until they have recovered.
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3.
Document the procedure in a new anesthesia encounter/record. Document all medications given; these
will flow to the MAR and are viewable by the RN under the MAR Periop and All tabs.
4. Report must be given to the bedside nurse, including medications given, along with the plan for the patient
via face to face communication prior to leaving floor and any additional monitoring needs for the patient
must be clearly communicated.
Syringe bolus of an epidural catheter (including test dose):
1. Syringe bolus of an epidural catheter with local anesthetic may be indicated for inadequately controlled
pain. It may also be administered as part of a test dose after placing an epidural catheter. Administration
of a bolus of local anesthetic through an epidural should be performed with caution in patients whose
dermatomal level is higher than T6.
2. Prior to administering local anesthetic via an epidural catheter, aspirate the catheter with a 3-5 ml syringe
to be sure the catheter is not demonstrably intravascular or intrathecal.
3. After medications are administered, a progress note documenting the encounter, result, and final vital
signs must be entered into the patient’s chart.
4. Any medication administered to the patient, but not documented in an anesthesia encounter, must be
written as a standard order and in the administration instructions the following should be written: “Do not
administer-already given by anesthesia provider.”
5. After a syringe bolus of local anesthetic via an epidural catheter, the anesthesia provider must monitor the
patient for at least 30 minutes following the last bolus. Monitoring will include blood pressure, heart rate
and pulse oximeter at 5 minute intervals, and a final assessment of pain and dermatomes.
6. Patient must demonstrate they can remain normotensive, without the need for pressor support, for an
appropriate period of time prior to the provider leaving the floor and discontinuing q5 minute monitoring.
7. Report must be given to the bedside nurse, including medications given, along with the plan for the patient
via face to face communication prior to leaving floor and any additional monitoring needs for the patient
must be clearly communicated.