Regional anaesthesia: PECS 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: PECS block

Sample item

A PECS I block, performed for modified radical mastectomy, deposits local anaesthetic in which plane?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Between the pectoralis major and pectoralis minor muscles

In the PECS I block, local anaesthetic is injected between the pectoralis major and minor, blocking the medial and lateral pectoral nerves. The PECS II adds a second injection between pectoralis minor and serratus anterior to block the intercostal and long thoracic nerves. These blocks provide chest wall analgesia for breast surgery.

Option by option

  • A. Between the erector spinae and the transverse process

    The erector spinae plane is a different block.

  • B. Between the pectoralis major and pectoralis minor muscles (correct)

    Correct. This interfascial plane contains the pectoral nerves.

  • C. Around the stellate ganglion

    The stellate ganglion block is a sympathetic block of the neck.

  • D. Into the epidural space at T4

    The epidural space is a neuraxial target and not a PECS injection site.

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 B, Between the pectoralis major and pectoralis minor muscles. In the PECS I block, local anaesthetic is injected between the pectoralis major and minor, blocking the medial and lateral pectoral nerves.

Why is "Between the erector spinae and the transverse process" not the answer?

The erector spinae plane is a different block.

Why is "Around the stellate ganglion" not the answer?

The stellate ganglion block is a sympathetic block of the neck.

Why is "Into the epidural space at T4" not the answer?

The epidural space is a neuraxial target and not a PECS injection site.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Regional anaesthesia: PECS block in Anaesthesia. The PECS II adds a second injection between pectoralis minor and serratus anterior to block the intercostal and long thoracic nerves. These blocks provide chest wall analgesia for breast surgery.

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: PECS 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.