Regional anaesthesia: paravertebral 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: paravertebral block

Sample item

Which block gives unilateral somatic and sympathetic blockade over several dermatomes and is suited to mastectomy and rib fractures?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Thoracic paravertebral block

Local anaesthetic placed in the thoracic paravertebral space spreads to the spinal nerve roots and sympathetic chain on one side. It gives analgesia similar to thoracic epidural with less hypotension and urinary retention. The main risks are pneumothorax and vascular puncture.

Option by option

  • A. Stellate ganglion block

    A stellate ganglion block targets the cervical sympathetic chain.

  • B. Caudal block

    A caudal block provides sacral and lower lumbar analgesia.

  • C. Ankle block

    An ankle block is for foot surgery.

  • D. Thoracic paravertebral block (correct)

    Correct. The paravertebral block provides unilateral multi-segment analgesia of the chest wall.

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 D, Thoracic paravertebral block. Local anaesthetic placed in the thoracic paravertebral space spreads to the spinal nerve roots and sympathetic chain on one side.

Why is "Stellate ganglion block" not the answer?

A stellate ganglion block targets the cervical sympathetic chain.

Why is "Caudal block" not the answer?

A caudal block provides sacral and lower lumbar analgesia.

Why is "Ankle block" not the answer?

An ankle block is for foot surgery.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Regional anaesthesia: paravertebral block in Anaesthesia. It gives analgesia similar to thoracic epidural with less hypotension and urinary retention. The main risks are pneumothorax and vascular puncture.

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 Regional anaesthesia: paravertebral 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.