Question

The image given below shows neuromuscular monitoring of the patient after anesthesia. What is the most commonly used nerve for monitoring?

• A. Ulnar nerve
• B. Median nerve
• C. Radial nerve
• D. Metacarpal nerve

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

In the context of neuromuscular monitoring post-anesthesia, it is crucial to choose an appropriate nerve to gauge the level of neuromuscular blockade accurately. This practice ensures patient safety and effective management of anesthesia recovery. The most commonly used nerve for this purpose is the ulnar nerve. Here's why:

1. Anatomical Accessibility: The ulnar nerve is easily accessible on the forearm and hand, allowing for straightforward placement of stimulation electrodes and monitoring devices.
2. Consistent Responses: Stimulation of the ulnar nerve typically provides consistent and reliable muscular responses (such as the contraction of the adductor pollicis muscle), making it ideal for monitoring the effects of neuromuscular blocking agents.
3. Standard Practice: In clinical practice, monitoring the ulnar nerve is a widely accepted and standard method due to its reliability and ease of access compared to other nerves, like the median or radial nerves, which may offer less consistent muscle response or be less accessible.

Thus, based on anatomical and clinical reasons, the ulnar nerve is the preferred choice for neuromuscular monitoring after anesthesia.