Spinal Anesthesia MCQ Quiz | Anesthetic Techniques

Welcome to this specialized quiz on Spinal Anesthesia, a core topic within Anesthetic Techniques for MBBS students. This quiz is designed to test your understanding of the anatomical landmarks, physiological effects, pharmacological agents, procedural techniques, and potential complications associated with this essential regional anesthetic method. You will face 25 multiple-choice questions covering everything from the layers pierced during needle insertion to the management of common side effects like hypotension and post-dural puncture headaches. This assessment will help you consolidate your knowledge and prepare for examinations. After submitting your answers, you can review your score and see the correct responses highlighted. You can also download all the questions with their correct answers in a PDF format for future revision.

1. In a typical adult, the spinal cord (conus medullaris) terminates at which vertebral level?

2. Which of the following is the most significant factor determining the spread of a hyperbaric local anesthetic solution in the subarachnoid space?

3. When performing spinal anesthesia via a midline approach, which ligament is pierced immediately before the dura mater?

4. The most common immediate complication of spinal anesthesia is:

5. Which type of spinal needle is associated with the lowest incidence of post-dural puncture headache?

6. An absolute contraindication for spinal anesthesia is:

7. The desired sensory block level for a Cesarean section is typically:

8. Hypotension following spinal anesthesia is primarily due to:

9. To make a local anesthetic solution hyperbaric, it is typically mixed with:

10. What is the correct order of nerve fiber blockade during spinal anesthesia from first to last?

11. The addition of a small dose of fentanyl to intrathecal bupivacaine primarily aims to:

12. The classic symptom of a post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a headache that is:

13. The definitive treatment for a severe and persistent PDPH is:

14. Tuffier’s line, an anatomical landmark for lumbar puncture, is a line drawn between:

15. A “total spinal” or high spinal block is characterized by:

16. The primary mechanism of action of local anesthetics used in spinal anesthesia is:

17. Which of the following factors does NOT significantly affect the height of a spinal block?

18. Cauda Equina Syndrome following spinal anesthesia is a rare but severe complication associated with:

19. The first-line pharmacological treatment for spinal-induced hypotension is typically:

20. What is the characteristic property of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

21. A “saddle block” is a type of low spinal anesthesia intended to anesthetize which dermatomes?

22. The volume of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the entire neuraxis of a normal adult is approximately:

23. During spinal needle insertion, a distinct “pop” or “give-way” sensation is felt as the needle passes through the:

24. Which local anesthetic has the longest duration of action when used for spinal anesthesia?

25. A patient develops bradycardia and hypotension shortly after a spinal anesthetic is administered. The bradycardia is likely due to the blockade of which nerve fibers?