Anesthesia Technician Practice Exam

Which peripheral nerve is most commonly involved in perioperative neuropathy?

1. Radial

2. Ulnar

3. Median

4. Sciatic

The correct answer is: Ulnar

The ulnar nerve is commonly involved in perioperative neuropathy due to its anatomical location and the circumstances that arise during surgical procedures. The ulnar nerve runs close to the surface at the elbow and is susceptible to compression, often occurring during procedures where the arms are positioned or under pressure for prolonged periods. Patients undergoing surgery may experience positioning that compromises the circulation or creates direct pressure on the ulnar nerve, particularly if the arms are placed awkwardly or are resting on hard surfaces. In addition, because the ulnar nerve is responsible for innervating specific muscles and sensory areas in the hand, injury or irritation to this nerve leads to characteristic symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the ring and little fingers. This makes it a primary focus in assessing and managing neuropathies that may arise during the perioperative period. While other nerves like the radial, median, and sciatic can also be affected, the ulnar nerve's frequent involvement in these scenarios, alongside its prevalence in cases of positioning-related injury, underlines its significance in discussions regarding perioperative neuropathy.