A 70-year-old man diagnosed with lung cancer presented to the office for chest pain control. The patient was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the left upper lobe. Cancer has spread to reach the pleura and the 2nd and 3rd ribs. He is complaining of severe chest pain that wakes him up each night. Opioid analgesics could not be tolerated due to the side effect of sedation. A nerve block is planned. Which of the following nerves would be the target for the nerve block?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: The ventral nerve rami give the origin of the intercostal nerves. The intercostal nerves transmit sensory signals from the parietal pleura, the chest wall, and the skin. A nerve blocking the intercostal nerves could be used to control the pain from these regions.

A 70-Year-Old Man Diagnosed with Lung Cancer Presented to the Office