Local anaesthetics: absorption after regional blocks: 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 · Local anaesthetics: absorption after regional blocks

Sample item

After injection of the same dose of local anaesthetic, which block results in the highest peak plasma concentration?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Intercostal block

Systemic absorption depends on tissue vascularity. The order is intercostal, caudal, epidural, brachial plexus and then sciatic and femoral blocks, with the intercostal block giving the highest levels. Multiple injection sites and the pleural risk make the intercostal block one in which the dose must be watched carefully.

Option by option

  • A. Sciatic nerve block

    Sciatic block sites are less vascular and give lower peak levels.

  • B. Ankle block

    An ankle block uses a small volume in poorly vascular tissue.

  • C. Intercostal block (correct)

    Correct. The vascular intercostal space gives the fastest and highest absorption.

  • D. Femoral nerve block

    Femoral block gives lower peak levels than intercostal injection.

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 C, Intercostal block. Systemic absorption depends on tissue vascularity.

Why is "Sciatic nerve block" not the answer?

Sciatic block sites are less vascular and give lower peak levels.

Why is "Ankle block" not the answer?

An ankle block uses a small volume in poorly vascular tissue.

Why is "Femoral nerve block" not the answer?

Femoral block gives lower peak levels than intercostal injection.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Local anaesthetics: absorption after regional blocks in Anaesthesia. The order is intercostal, caudal, epidural, brachial plexus and then sciatic and femoral blocks, with the intercostal block giving the highest levels. Multiple injection sites and the pleural risk make the intercostal block one in which the dose must be watched carefully.

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 Local anaesthetics: absorption after regional blocks?

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.