Regional anaesthesia: axillary 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: axillary block

Sample item

Which nerve is often missed in an axillary brachial plexus block because it leaves the sheath early?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Musculocutaneous nerve

The musculocutaneous nerve pierces coracobrachialis and lies outside the sheath at the axilla, so it needs a separate injection. It supplies sensation over the lateral forearm.

Option by option

  • A. Median nerve

    The median nerve lies within the sheath.

  • B. Musculocutaneous nerve (correct)

    Correct. It leaves the sheath proximally.

  • C. Radial nerve

    The radial nerve lies behind the artery in the sheath.

  • D. Ulnar nerve

    The ulnar nerve lies within the sheath.

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.

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Questions about this Anaesthesia question

What is the answer to this Anaesthesia question?

The best answer is B, Musculocutaneous nerve. The musculocutaneous nerve pierces coracobrachialis and lies outside the sheath at the axilla, so it needs a separate injection.

Why is "Median nerve" not the answer?

The median nerve lies within the sheath.

Why is "Radial nerve" not the answer?

The radial nerve lies behind the artery in the sheath.

Why is "Ulnar nerve" not the answer?

The ulnar nerve lies within the sheath.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Regional anaesthesia: axillary block in Anaesthesia. It supplies sensation over the lateral forearm.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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: axillary 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.