Ulnar nerve block: find the artery first, then block its neighbour

Question 1On which side of the ulnar artery does the ulnar nerve lie in the distal forearm?

1. aDeep to the radius
2. bThe radial side, under brachioradialis
3. cThe ulnar side, under flexor carpi ulnaris
4. dInside the artery wall

Question 2Why does sliding the probe up the forearm help?

1. aThe nerve becomes larger than the humerus
2. bThe artery disappears
3. cThe nerve moves to the back of the forearm
4. dThe nerve moves away from the artery, giving a safer target

Question 3A patient has a laceration on the back of the hand over the fifth metacarpal. Why might a distal ulnar block fail?

1. aThe ulnar nerve does not supply the hand
2. bThe radial nerve supplies the fifth metacarpal
3. cThe median nerve supplies the back of the little finger
4. dThe dorsal cutaneous branch leaves about 5 cm above the wrist

Question 4Which tool helps you avoid confusing the nerve with a small vessel?

1. aPressing harder with the probe
2. bA curvilinear probe
3. cColour Doppler
4. dA peripheral nerve stimulator alone

Question 5Which area does an ulnar nerve block numb?

1. aThe whole forearm
2. bThe thumb and index finger
3. cThe little finger, the ulnar half of the ring finger and the ulnar side of the palm
4. dThe radial side of the back of the hand