ABA ABA Regional Anesthesia and Pain Management

Question 1

Which nerve roots are primarily targeted in an interscalene brachial plexus block for shoulder surgery?

Accepted Answer

C5-C6 nerve roots

Answer

The interscalene block targets C5-C6 nerve roots of the brachial plexus, providing excellent analgesia for shoulder procedures.

Question 2

What is the maximum recommended dose of plain bupivacaine for peripheral nerve blocks?

Accepted Answer

2 mg/kg

Answer

The maximum safe dose of bupivacaine is 2 mg/kg (up to 150 mg) to avoid systemic toxicity.

Question 3

Which complication is most specifically associated with interscalene brachial plexus blocks?

Accepted Answer

Pneumothorax

Answer

Pneumothorax is a known complication of interscalene blocks due to the proximity of the lung apex to the injection site.

Question 4

What is the first-line pharmacologic treatment for local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST)?

Accepted Answer

20% lipid emulsion IV

Answer

20% lipid emulsion is the first-line treatment for LAST as it sequesters the lipid-soluble local anesthetic from cardiac tissue.

Question 5

Which regional technique is preferred for analgesia after total knee arthroplasty because it preserves quadriceps strength?

Accepted Answer

Adductor canal block

Answer

The adductor canal block provides knee analgesia while preserving quadriceps motor strength, allowing earlier ambulation after TKA.

(ABA) American Board of Anesthesiology Practice Test