Neuroanatomy USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 63-year-old man with a large pleural effusion (BP 138/82, HR 92, RR 22, SpO2 92% on room air) and chest imaging showing fluid layering posteriorly undergoes thoracentesis. The needle is inserted just superior to the upper border of the rib below the chosen interspace. He denies chest pain. This approach is used primarily to avoid injury to which of the following structures located in the neurovascular bundle?
Answer choices
- AIntercostal vein
- BIntercostal nerve
- CInternal thoracic artery
- DIntercostal arteryCorrect answer
- EAzygos vein
- FAnterior thoracic nerve
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