ABA BASIC Anaesthesiology Exam 2026: Comprehensive Board
Certification Practice Test — Anaesthesia Pharmacology,
Physiology, Airway Management, Aesthetic Techniques, Monitoring
& Perioperative Complications — 190 Multiple-Choice Questions
with Answers & Detailed Rationales
SECTION 1: BASIC SCIENCES
Anatomy (10 Questions)
Question 1
During ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block, the needle is directed between
which two muscles?
A. Sternocleidomastoid and trapezius
B. Anterior and middle scalene
C. Middle and posterior scalene
D. Trapezius and levator scapulae
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The interscalene groove lies between the anterior and middle scalene muscles,
where the brachial plexus roots emerge. Placing local aesthetic here blocks the C5-T1 nerve
roots.
Question 2
The cricothyroid membrane is located between which two structures?
,A. Thyroid cartilage and hyoid bone
B. Thyroid cartilage and cricoid cartilage
C. Cricoid cartilage and first tracheal ring
D. Hyoid bone and epiglottis
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The cricothyroid membrane spans between the inferior border of the thyroid
cartilage and the superior border of the cricoid cartilage, serving as the site for emergency
front-of-neck airway access.
Question 3
Which anatomical structure is most likely to be injured during internal jugular vein
cannulation performed too laterally?
A. Carotid artery
B. Vagus nerve
C. Phrenic nerve
D. Recurrent laryngeal nerve
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The phrenic nerve lies lateral to the internal jugular vein and can be injured
during lateral needle passes, potentially causing diaphragmatic paralysis. The carotid artery
lies medial, not lateral.
Question 4
,The ligamentum flavum connects which two vertebral structures?
A. Adjacent vertebral bodies
B. Adjacent spinous processes
C. Adjacent laminae
D. Adjacent pedicles
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The ligamentum flavum connects adjacent laminae and provides resistance
during epidural needle advancement. Loss of resistance occurs as the needle traverses this
ligament into the epidural space.
Question 5
Which nerve is at greatest risk of injury during axillary brachial plexus block?
A. Radial nerve
B. Median nerve
C. Musculocutaneous nerve
D. Axillary nerve
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The radial nerve lies most posteriorly and laterally in the axillary sheath, making
it susceptible to inadequate blockade or direct needle trauma during axillary approaches.
Question 6
, The epidural space is bounded anteriorly by which structure?
A. Ligamentum flavum
B. Posterior longitudinal ligament
C. Dura mater
D. Vertebral body periosteum
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The posterior longitudinal ligament forms the anterior boundary of the epidural
space. The ligamentum flavum forms the posterior boundary.
Question 7
During subclavian central venous catheter placement, which anatomical landmark is used as
the primary reference point?
A. Sternal notch
B. Clavicular midpoint
C. First rib
D. Coracoid process
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The midpoint of the clavicle serves as the standard insertion landmark for
subclavian vein cannulation, with the needle directed toward the sternal notch.
Question 8
Certification Practice Test — Anaesthesia Pharmacology,
Physiology, Airway Management, Aesthetic Techniques, Monitoring
& Perioperative Complications — 190 Multiple-Choice Questions
with Answers & Detailed Rationales
SECTION 1: BASIC SCIENCES
Anatomy (10 Questions)
Question 1
During ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block, the needle is directed between
which two muscles?
A. Sternocleidomastoid and trapezius
B. Anterior and middle scalene
C. Middle and posterior scalene
D. Trapezius and levator scapulae
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The interscalene groove lies between the anterior and middle scalene muscles,
where the brachial plexus roots emerge. Placing local aesthetic here blocks the C5-T1 nerve
roots.
Question 2
The cricothyroid membrane is located between which two structures?
,A. Thyroid cartilage and hyoid bone
B. Thyroid cartilage and cricoid cartilage
C. Cricoid cartilage and first tracheal ring
D. Hyoid bone and epiglottis
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The cricothyroid membrane spans between the inferior border of the thyroid
cartilage and the superior border of the cricoid cartilage, serving as the site for emergency
front-of-neck airway access.
Question 3
Which anatomical structure is most likely to be injured during internal jugular vein
cannulation performed too laterally?
A. Carotid artery
B. Vagus nerve
C. Phrenic nerve
D. Recurrent laryngeal nerve
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The phrenic nerve lies lateral to the internal jugular vein and can be injured
during lateral needle passes, potentially causing diaphragmatic paralysis. The carotid artery
lies medial, not lateral.
Question 4
,The ligamentum flavum connects which two vertebral structures?
A. Adjacent vertebral bodies
B. Adjacent spinous processes
C. Adjacent laminae
D. Adjacent pedicles
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The ligamentum flavum connects adjacent laminae and provides resistance
during epidural needle advancement. Loss of resistance occurs as the needle traverses this
ligament into the epidural space.
Question 5
Which nerve is at greatest risk of injury during axillary brachial plexus block?
A. Radial nerve
B. Median nerve
C. Musculocutaneous nerve
D. Axillary nerve
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The radial nerve lies most posteriorly and laterally in the axillary sheath, making
it susceptible to inadequate blockade or direct needle trauma during axillary approaches.
Question 6
, The epidural space is bounded anteriorly by which structure?
A. Ligamentum flavum
B. Posterior longitudinal ligament
C. Dura mater
D. Vertebral body periosteum
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The posterior longitudinal ligament forms the anterior boundary of the epidural
space. The ligamentum flavum forms the posterior boundary.
Question 7
During subclavian central venous catheter placement, which anatomical landmark is used as
the primary reference point?
A. Sternal notch
B. Clavicular midpoint
C. First rib
D. Coracoid process
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The midpoint of the clavicle serves as the standard insertion landmark for
subclavian vein cannulation, with the needle directed toward the sternal notch.
Question 8
