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Wrong-site regional anaesthesia prevention — FRCA Final MCQ

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EasyEthics, Human Factors and Patient SafetyWrong-site regional anaesthesia preventionFRCA Final

A patient is in the anaesthetic room for a left popliteal sciatic block before ankle fixation. During the stop-before-you-block check, the consent form says right ankle, the theatre list says left ankle, and the patient is unsure after premedication. What is the most appropriate management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Stop the procedure and resolve laterality before any block is performed

A discrepancy in laterality is a stop point; no regional block should be performed until site, consent and team understanding are reconciled. The theatre list alone is insufficient when documents conflict and the patient cannot reliably confirm. Bilateral blocks create new harm and do not solve consent. Stop-before-you-block exists because wrong-site regional anaesthesia is a preventable serious incident.

Reference: RCoA/RA-UK Stop Before You Block guidance; WHO surgical safety checklist