Local Anaesthetics course for Nurses

This session describes the pharmacology of local anaesthetics and their clinical uses as analgesics.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Describe the ionic basis for the development and propagation of an action potential in a sensory nerve
• Outline the mechanism of action of local anaesthetics
• Explain side-effects and toxicity associated with local anaesthetic use
• Identify common routes of administration
• Describe the use of local anaesthetics in neuropathic pain

Local anaesthetics are drugs that cause a temporary loss of sensation or feeling in a limited area of the body, by reversibly blocking pain conduction in nerve fibres.