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Pleural cupula during supraclavicular block — FRCA Primary MCQ

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HardAnatomyPleural cupula during supraclavicular blockFRCA Primary

A supraclavicular block is followed by a small apical pneumothorax. Which structure was most likely breached?

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Correct answer: CCupula of pleura extending above the first rib

The best answer is “Cupula of pleura extending above the first rib”. The cervical pleural dome, or cupula, lies close to the brachial plexus at the supraclavicular level. Pleural puncture can produce a pneumothorax. Arterial, lymphatic and sympathetic-chain injury have different consequences and do not directly cause an apical pneumothorax.

Reference: RCoA, Primary FRCA Syllabus: https://rcoa.ac.uk/sites/default/files/documents/2026-01/Primary-FRCA-Syllabus.pdf