What should you monitor for in a patient who received a brachial plexus block?

Monitoring for unilateral weakness in a patient who has received a brachial plexus block is critical because this procedure involves anesthetizing specific nerves in the arm to manage pain. The block targets the brachial plexus, a network of nerves that are responsible for motor and sensory function in the upper limb. As a result, unilateral weakness can be an expected and temporary side effect of the nerve block, indicating that the intended area of anesthesia is functioning properly.

It is also essential to assess the degree of motor function recovery after the block, as weakness may indicate either excessive or incomplete block effect. Monitoring for this is important to ensure that the patient regains full function before discharge and to identify any complications associated with the procedure.

While other symptoms may arise in different contexts, such as muscle rigidity or difficulty breathing, they are not directly associated with the effects of a brachial plexus block. Increased appetite, likewise, has no correlation with the procedure or its outcomes.