Digital Block for Medical Professionals

Medical Professional - Clinical

This module teaches you how to safely prepare for and perform a digital block of the fingers.

A digital block is a common procedure used in minor surgical procedures, in which the nerves of the fingers are blocked using anesthesia. This module will teach you how to safely prepare for and perform a digital block of the fingers. Including both Learn and Test modes, the online simulator offers a clinical scenario that tests your ability to perform a digital block of the index finger. Practice the steps of the procedure online as often as you want, until you feel confident.

You’ll learn

pre-procedure considerations related to a digital block
to visualize the anatomy of the digits from the branches of median nerve, ulnar nerve and common palmar digital nerves
to practice and perfect your skills inserting the needle at the base of the dorsum, while infiltrating local anesthesia
how to angle the needle across the dorsum of the digit and advance it subcutaneously
much more (see “content details” for more specific information)

Step 1 - Preparation

Step 1.1 - Tray preparation

Step 1.2 - Patient preparation

Step 1.3 - Operator preparation

Step 2 - Cleanse the digit

Step 3 - Insert the needle and infiltrate local anesthetic

Step 4 - Repeat the procedure on the opposite side of the finger

Step 5 - Infiltrate the dorsum of the finger

Describe the pre-procedure considerations for a digital block.
Describe and demonstrate the preparation for a digital block.
Describe and demonstrate how to perform a digital block using aseptic technique, including:
- cleansing of the block site
- the correct position and angle of each needle insertion on the digit
- the correct technique of infiltration of local anesthesia around the digit
Identify and understand the various types, doses, and maximum limits of local anesthesia.
Describe and demonstrate the correct post-procedure considerations.
Describe the hazards of a digital block.
Define and demonstrate correct recording and reporting procedures.
Define and use related medical terminology.
Understand Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines.
Explain the Patient Privacy Rule (HIPAA), Patient Safety Act, and Patients' Bill of Rights.

The SIMTICS modules are all easy to use and web-based. This means they are available at any time as long as the learner has an internet connection. No special hardware or other equipment is required, other than a computer mouse for use in the simulations. Each of the SIMTICS modules covers one specific procedure or topic in detail. Each module contains:

an online simulation (available in Learn and Test modes)
descriptive text, which explains exactly how to perform that particular procedure including key terms and hyperlinks to references
2D images and a 3D model of applied anatomy for that particular topic
a step by step video demonstration by an expert
a quiz
a personal logbook that keeps track of all the modules the learner has studied and how long