CRNA Regional Anesthesia and Nerve Blocks 2

Question 1

The interscalene brachial plexus block is the preferred regional technique for surgery on which anatomical region?

Accepted Answer

Shoulder and proximal humerus

Answer

The interscalene block targets the C5-C7 roots of the brachial plexus, providing excellent anesthesia for shoulder and proximal humerus surgery where these roots are dominant.

Question 2

Which complication occurs in nearly 100% of interscalene brachial plexus blocks?

Accepted Answer

Ipsilateral phrenic nerve palsy

Answer

The phrenic nerve (C3-C5) runs directly adjacent to the brachial plexus at the interscalene level and is invariably blocked, causing ipsilateral hemidiaphragm paresis—a critical consideration in patients with contralateral phrenic nerve palsy or severe pulmonary disease.

Question 3

The femoral nerve block provides sensory coverage primarily to which area?

Accepted Answer

Anterior and medial thigh, knee, and medial leg

Answer

The femoral nerve (L2-L4) innervates the anterior and medial thigh, the knee joint, and the medial aspect of the leg and foot via the saphenous nerve, making it highly useful for knee surgery analgesia.

Question 4

During an axillary brachial plexus block, which nerve most commonly requires a separate injection because it exits the neurovascular sheath proximal to the standard injection site?

Accepted Answer

Musculocutaneous nerve

Answer

The musculocutaneous nerve typically exits the brachial plexus sheath high in the axilla and enters the coracobrachialis muscle before the standard axillary injection site, requiring a separate injection into that muscle for complete block.

Question 5

Which combination of nerve blocks provides comprehensive analgesia for an above-knee amputation?

Accepted Answer

Femoral and sciatic nerve blocks

Answer

Above-knee amputation requires coverage of both the anterior thigh (femoral nerve) and the posterior thigh through the sciatic nerve distribution, necessitating a combined femoral and sciatic nerve block.

CRNA - Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Practice Test

CRNA - Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Practice Test

CRNA Regional Anesthesia and Nerve Blocks 2