# Digital Block

## Overview

This module describes one technique to anaesthetise a digit.

## Indications

## Contraindications

## Patient information and consent

Always verify your patient’s identity and obtain informed consent before proceeding.

### How do I explain this procedure?

“I need to give you an injection that will numb the whole area where we need to work.”

### What can my patient expect?

“I am going to prick your skin twice or three times with a needle and inject the numbing medication. Each injection might sting a bit, but after that the whole area will be numb.”

### What is my patient’s role?

“Let me know if you have any allergies. Fearing blood or needles is normal, but tell me if you have fainted from it. Try to keep your hand still while I give you the injections.”

## Preparation

Prepare a trolley with equipment.

### Documentation

### Equipment

## Site & Positioning

Position the patient with the digit in question within easy reach.

## Procedure

Follow medical asepsis with non-sterile gloves.

## Troubleshooting

My patient is still feeling pain.

Make sure you wait a full 10 minutes before testing the patient’s sensation. If there is still pain, make sure you injected enough anaesthetic into the entire area. Local infection can also reduce the effectiveness of local anaesthetics. Rarely, some patients may be resistant to local anaesthetics.

## Risks

## References