QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
This is the level of the transition between the lumbar and sacral spine. Although the risk to the spinal cord is the same as for L2,3,4, it is more challenging to identify the anatomical landmarks needed to safely insert the needle at this level.
10005499
d
L5-S1
QuestionChoice
This is the level of the aortic arch on the left and the superior vena cava on the right. Epidural anaesthesia at this level will risk damaging the spinal cord.
10005497
b
T4-T5
QuestionChoice
This is the level of the umbilicus. Injection into this site will risk damage to the spinal cord.
10005498
c
T10-T11
QuestionChoice
This is the base of the neck. Injection here would not target the correct nerve roots and would risk damage to the spinal cord.
10005500
e
C6-C7
QuestionChoice
Epidural is safer anywhere below L2, with L2-L3 or L3-L4 preferred. This will target the lumbar nerve roots involved in the pain sensation associated with childbirth.
10005496
a
L3-L4
Concept
Chapter
2693
4415
Epidural anaesthesia
Topic
177
Anaesthetics and Intensive Care Medicine
13646
A pregnant woman is asking you about the analgesic options available for delivery and wants to know what is involved in an epidural.

Which of the following is the best site to administer an epidural injection?
a