Regional anaesthesia: epidural versus spinal: 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: epidural versus spinal

Sample item

Which statement about epidural anaesthesia compared with spinal is true?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. It needs a larger volume of drug and has a slower onset

Epidural drug must diffuse across the dura to the nerve roots in larger volumes, so it takes 15 to 20 minutes to act, and segmental, graded levels are possible. Accidental dural puncture may occur and the block is sometimes patchy.

Option by option

  • A. It has a faster onset

    Spinal has the faster onset.

  • B. The block is denser and more reliable

    Spinal is generally denser and more reliable.

  • C. It carries no risk of dural puncture

    Dural puncture is a recognised complication of epidural.

  • D. It needs a larger volume of drug and has a slower onset (correct)

    Correct. Large volumes and slow onset define epidural.

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, It needs a larger volume of drug and has a slower onset. Epidural drug must diffuse across the dura to the nerve roots in larger volumes, so it takes 15 to 20 minutes to act, and segmental, graded levels are possible.

Why is "It has a faster onset" not the answer?

Spinal has the faster onset.

Why is "The block is denser and more reliable" not the answer?

Spinal is generally denser and more reliable.

Why is "It carries no risk of dural puncture" not the answer?

Dural puncture is a recognised complication of epidural.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Regional anaesthesia: epidural versus spinal in Anaesthesia. Accidental dural puncture may occur and the block is sometimes patchy.

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: epidural versus spinal?

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.