Regional anaesthesia: infraclavicular block: practice question

A Anaesthesia question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Anaesthesia · Regional anaesthesia: infraclavicular block

Sample item

An infraclavicular brachial plexus block is chosen for forearm and hand surgery in a patient with severe lung disease. What is a reason for the choice?

AIt has little phrenic nerve involvement and a catheter can be placedBIt always spares the musculocutaneous nerveCIt blocks the cervical plexusDIt cannot cause pneumothorax

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. It has little phrenic nerve involvement and a catheter can be placed

The infraclavicular block approaches the cords of the plexus below the clavicle, where hemidiaphragmatic paresis is uncommon, and is well suited to continuous catheter techniques. It provides anaesthesia from the elbow downward. Pneumothorax is still possible but is less likely than with a supraclavicular approach.

Option by option

A. It has little phrenic nerve involvement and a catheter can be placed (correct)
Correct. Phrenic sparing and catheter stability suit this patient.
B. It always spares the musculocutaneous nerve
The musculocutaneous nerve arises from the lateral cord, so this block usually covers it.
C. It blocks the cervical plexus
The cervical plexus is a separate structure and is not blocked here.
D. It cannot cause pneumothorax
Pneumothorax can still occur, although it is rare.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Anaesthesia question

What is the answer to this Anaesthesia question?

The best answer is A, It has little phrenic nerve involvement and a catheter can be placed. The infraclavicular block approaches the cords of the plexus below the clavicle, where hemidiaphragmatic paresis is uncommon, and is well suited to continuous catheter techniques.

Why is "It always spares the musculocutaneous nerve" not the answer?

The musculocutaneous nerve arises from the lateral cord, so this block usually covers it.

Why is "It blocks the cervical plexus" not the answer?

The cervical plexus is a separate structure and is not blocked here.

Why is "It cannot cause pneumothorax" not the answer?

Pneumothorax can still occur, although it is rare.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Regional anaesthesia: infraclavicular block in Anaesthesia. It provides anaesthesia from the elbow downward. Pneumothorax is still possible but is less likely than with a supraclavicular approach.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Regional anaesthesia: infraclavicular block?

Make a table of each agent, its key advantage and its main side effect. Then use the flashcards and the other Anaesthesia questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.