Local-only anesthesia carries unique risks, including the potential for systemic toxicity, so it’s vital for perioperative nurses to have a clear, patient-centered plan. Learn five evidence-based tips to collaborate with the surgical team, calculate safe doses, reduce patient anxiety, educate patients, and prepare for adverse reactions.

Local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) is rare but potentially life-threatening. This blog outlines three evidence-based steps perioperative teams can use to recognize, respond to, and prevent harm from LAST.