The Emily Center Procedure/Treatment/Home Care Si usted desea esta información en español, por favor pídasela a su enfermero o doctor. Name of Child: Date: #834 What is a caudal block? A caudal block is a way to give medicine that treats pain. The medicine numbs the nerves that carry the message of pain to the brain. How is a caudal block done? Your child is turned to the side, and a doctor washes his or her back. The doctor places a needle near the tail bone. Medicine is put through the needle, and then the needle is taken out. How long will it last? The medicine may make your child feel numb below the waist. Your child may not be able to feel his or her legs. This will wear off 4 to 6 hours after the medicine is given. This relieves your child s pain. The doctor places a needle near the tail bone. Medicine is put through this needle. Will my child be able to walk? The medicine may make your child s legs feel week. Your child may not be able to crawl or walk well until the medicine wears off. After several hours the medicine will wear off and your child s lower body will get feeling back. As the medicine wears off, your child may feel tingling. This is normal. 1 of 5
When may I give my child the pain medicine? The doctor will tell you what medicine and how much to give your child. As soon as your child starts to look or feel uncomfortable, you may give the medicine. What special things do I need to watch for? Position Your child may not feel his or her lower body. Put your child s legs in a natural position, in line with the upper body. Moving Do not let your child walk or crawl alone for the first three to four hours after the operation. Temperature For 4 to 6 hours after the medicine is given, your child may not be able to feel the difference between hot and cold below the waist. Check the temperature of seat belts and car seats before you buckle your child in. Do not let buckles touch bare skin. Can a caudal block cause any problems? Children who get caudal blocks don t usually have problems. As with any medicine or treatment, it is possible to have a problem with a caudal block. Rarely, a child with a caudal block could bleed, get an infection, or have nerve damage. Tell your child s nurse or doctor if your child: Itches Has trouble passing urine Breathes slowly Has trouble staying awake Call the doctor if, by o clock, (8 hours after surgery): Feeling or movement does not return to the lower body Your child has not passed urine Has an upset stomach at home that doesn t go away Throws up a lot at home 2 of 5
Now that you ve read this: p Tell your child s nurse or doctor how you will care for your child until the medicine wears off. (Check when done.) p Tell your child s nurse or doctor when you will call a member of the health care team. (Check when done.) If you have any questions or concerns, p call your child s doctor or p call If you want to know more about child health and illness, visit our library at The Emily Center at Phoenix Children s Hospital 1919 East Thomas Road Phoenix, AZ 85016 602-933-1400 866-933-6459 www.phoenixchildrens.com Facebook: facebook.com/theemilycenter Twitter: @emilycenter Disclaimer The information provided at this site is intended to be general information, and is provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended to take the place of examination, treatment, or consultation with a physician. Phoenix Children s Hospital urges you to contact your physician with any questions you may have about a medical condition. Tuesday, August 28, 2012 DRAFT to family review #834 Written by Charlene Cowley, MS, RN, CPNP Illustrated by Dennis Swain 3 of 5
Name of Health Care Provider: Number: 834 For office use: Date returned: p db Family Review of Handout Health care providers: Please teach families with this handout. Families: Please let us know what you think of this handout. The Emily Center Procedure/Treatment/Home Care Si usted desea esta información en español, por favor pídasela a su enfermero o doctor. Would you say this handout is hard to read? p Yes p No easy to read? p Yes p No Please circle the parts of the handout that were hard to understand. Would you say this handout is interesting to read? p Yes p No Why or why not? Would you do anything differently after reading this handout? p Yes p No If yes, what? 4 of 5
Is there anything you don t like about the drawings? p Yes p No If yes, what? What changes would you make in this handout to make it better or easier to understand? Please return your review of this handout to your nurse or doctor or send it to the address below. Fran London, MS, RN 602-933-1395 Health Education Specialist The Emily Center flondon@phoenixchildrens.com Phoenix Children s Hospital 1919 East Thomas Road Phoenix, AZ 85016-7710 Thank you for helping us! 5 of 5