A 28-year-old woman develops a severe postural headache 24 hours after an accidental dural puncture during labour epidural placement. She is scheduled for an epidural blood patch. What is the typical volume of autologous venous blood injected?
- A 5 to 10 mL
- B 15 to 20 mL ✓
- C 30 to 40 mL
- D 50 to 60 mL
Correct answer: B. 15 to 20 mL
Explanation
The standard volume of autologous venous blood injected for an epidural blood patch is 15 to 20 mL. Injection is stopped when the patient reports significant back pain or pressure. Smaller volumes may be ineffective, while larger volumes increase the risk of radicular pain.
Reference: Chestnut's Obstetric Anesthesia, 6th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.