CAA CAA Regional & Neuraxial Anesthesia

Question 1

At which vertebral interspace is spinal anesthesia most commonly performed in adults to avoid injury to the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

L2–L3 or L3–L4

Answer

The spinal cord ends at approximately L1–L2 in adults; intrathecal injection is performed below this level (L2–L3 or L3–L4) to avoid direct cord injury.

Question 2

Which baricity of local anesthetic is used for spinal anesthesia when the patient is placed in the sitting position for a 'saddle block'?

Accepted Answer

Hyperbaric

Answer

Hyperbaric local anesthetic is heavier than CSF and sinks with gravity; when the patient remains seated, it concentrates in the sacral (saddle) region.

Question 3

Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is caused by:

Accepted Answer

Leakage of CSF through the dural puncture site, causing intracranial hypotension

Answer

CSF leaking through the dural hole lowers intracranial pressure, causing traction on pain-sensitive intracranial structures when the patient is upright.

Question 4

The DEFINITIVE treatment for a severe post-dural puncture headache is:

Accepted Answer

Epidural blood patch

Answer

An epidural blood patch—injecting 15–20 mL of the patient's autologous blood into the epidural space—seals the dural hole and provides rapid, durable relief.

Question 5

Total spinal anesthesia is a life-threatening complication characterized by:

Accepted Answer

High cephalad spread of intrathecal drug causing apnea, hypotension, and unconsciousness

Answer

Excessive cephalad spread of intrathecal local anesthetic blocks cervical spinal roots and the brainstem, causing respiratory arrest, profound hypotension, and loss of consciousness.

(CAA) Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant Practice Test

(CAA) Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant Practice Test

CAA CAA Regional & Neuraxial Anesthesia