Digital Nerve Block: A Nurse Practitioner Guide to Local Anesthesia Infiltration

This 1-hour CE course provides nurse practitioners and advanced practice providers with focused instruction on the safe and effective administration of digital nerve blocks using local anesthesia. With a clinical emphasis on technique, anatomy, patient selection, and complication management, the course supports skill development in minor surgical and procedural settings, including urgent care, dermatology, orthopedics, and primary care.

The course begins with a concise review of digital neuroanatomy, including the location and function of the four digital nerves supplying each finger and toe. Participants will learn indications for performing a digital nerve block, such as laceration repair, incision and drainage of paronychia or felon, foreign body removal, nail bed repair, and other procedures requiring localized anesthesia in the digits.

Step-by-step guidance is provided for preparing and performing a digital nerve block, including proper patient positioning, landmark identification, needle selection, local anesthetic agents (such as lidocaine or bupivacaine), dosing considerations, and techniques for minimizing patient discomfort. The course also reviews contraindications, relative precautions, and post-procedure care instructions.

Safety is emphasized throughout, with detailed information on the avoidance of epinephrine in digital blocks, recognition and management of potential complications (e.g., hematoma, infection, systemic toxicity), and proper documentation practices. Clinical pearls and evidence-based recommendations are included to enhance procedural confidence and patient outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

• Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
• Describe the anatomy of digital nerve innervation in the fingers and toes.
• Identify appropriate clinical indications and contraindications for performing a digital nerve block.
• Select suitable anesthetic agents and dosing strategies for safe local infiltration.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the steps involved in administering a digital nerve block.
• Recognize and manage potential complications associated with local anesthesia.
• Provide appropriate post-procedure care and patient education.

Course Completion Requirements:

To complete this CE course and receive full credit, participants must:

• Register for the course.
• Review all course materials.
• Complete the post-test with a passing score of 70% or higher.
• Submit a completed course evaluation.

Note: Some courses may include additional assignments or clinical case reviews

Important Disclosures:

• Conflict of Interest: The course planners, authors, and presenters have no financial or commercial conflicts of interest related to this educational activity.
• Commercial Support: This course has not received sponsorship or financial support from commercial entities.
• Non-Endorsement: Approval of this course as a continuing education activity does not imply endorsement of any products, services, or companies mentioned within the content.
• Off-Label Product Use: Any discussion of off-label medication use is clearly identified and supported by available evidence.