LAUSR

Purpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review is to summarize various quantitative neuromuscular monitoring modalities and describe strategies to implement them into routine practice. We will contrast these objective modalities with unreliable clinical tests and subjective techniques that expose patients to unnecessary risk associated with postoperative residual weakness.Recent FindingsAs major specialty societies publish guidelines and consensus statements urging anesthesiologists to utilize quantitative monitors, clinicians must familiarize themselves with this equipment. Furthermore, new monitors are emerging as the industry tries to address the need for user-friendly, reliable monitors.SummaryClinical assessment is an unacceptable technique to guide neuromuscular blockade management in patients receiving neuromuscular blocking agents. The use of a peripheral nerve stimulator can provide some information regarding the level of neuromuscular blockade in patients; however, it cannot reliably confirm adequate recovery. The use of objective, quantitative monitoring is an essential practice that helps guide the administration of neuromuscular blocking agents and excludes deleterious postoperative residual weakness.