Questions

Anatomy of the Epidural Space

What is the length of a standard epidural needle?

1 2 3 4

25% 25%25%25%1. 6 cm2. 7 cm3. 8 cm4. 9 cm

What is the preferred solution for skin disinfection when performing an epidural

block?

1 2 3 4

25% 25%25%25%1. Chlorhexidine2. Chlorhexidine with

alcohol3. Povidone-iodine4. Povidone-iodine

with alcohol

What is the most common distance from the skin to the epidural space?

1 2 3 4

25% 25%25%25%1. 3 cm2. 4 cm3. 6 cm4. 8 cm

What is the natural pressure in the epidural space?

1 2 3

33% 33%33%1. Positive pressure2. Negative pressure3. Equal to

atmospheric pressure

When performing an epidural block what is the number of anatomic locations one

can “go astray”?

1 2 3 4

25% 25%25%25%1. 2 locations.2. 3 locations.3. 4 locations.4. Infinite.

What is the superior boundary of the epidural space?

1 2 3

33% 33%33%1. The superior boundary

of the first cervical vertebrae.

2. The foramen magnum where the periosteal and spinal layers of the dura fuse.

3. The cranial vertex where the periosteal and cerebral layer of the dura fuse.

What is the inferior boundary of the epidural space?

1 2 3 4

25% 25%25%25%1. The conus medullaris.

2. The filum terminale.3. The sacrococygeal

ligament.4. The cauda equina.

What is the anterior border of the epidural space?

1 2 3 4

25% 25%25%25%1. The posterior longitudinal ligament.

2. The anterior longitudinal ligament.

3. The ligamenta flava.4. The pedicle of

vertebral body.

What is the posterior border of the epidural space?

1 2 3 4

25% 25%25%25%1. The posterior longitudinal ligament.

2. The anterior longitudinal ligament.

3. The anterior surface of the vertebral laminae and the ligamenta flava.

4. The pedicle of vertebral body.

What is the lateral border of the epidural space?

1 2 3 4

25% 25%25%25%1. The medullary sheath.2. The paravertebral

space.3. The pedicles of the

vertebrae and the intervertebral foramina.

4. The sacrococygeal ligament.