Regional anaesthesia: caudal 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: caudal block

Sample item

A caudal epidural block in a child is performed through which anatomical landmark?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Sacral hiatus between the sacral cornua

The sacral hiatus, due to failure of fusion of the S5 laminae, is bounded by the sacral cornua and covered by the sacrococcygeal ligament. It is used for infraumbilical surgery in children, with 0.5 to 1 mL/kg of local anaesthetic.

Option by option

  • A. Coccygeal tip

    The coccygeal tip is not the entry point.

  • B. S2 foramen

    The S2 foramen is not used.

  • C. Sacral hiatus between the sacral cornua (correct)

    Correct. The sacral hiatus is the entry point.

  • D. L4-5 interspace

    L4-5 is the lumbar epidural route.

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, Sacral hiatus between the sacral cornua. The sacral hiatus, due to failure of fusion of the S5 laminae, is bounded by the sacral cornua and covered by the sacrococcygeal ligament.

Why is "Coccygeal tip" not the answer?

The coccygeal tip is not the entry point.

Why is "S2 foramen" not the answer?

The S2 foramen is not used.

Why is "L4-5 interspace" not the answer?

L4-5 is the lumbar epidural route.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Regional anaesthesia: caudal block in Anaesthesia. It is used for infraumbilical surgery in children, with 0.5 to 1 mL/kg of local anaesthetic.

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: caudal 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.