Question

Which structure is most likely to be penetrated during a subclavian vein puncture if the needle is inserted too far posteriorly?


a. common carotid artery
b. lateral cord of brachial plexus
c. subclavian artery
d. thoracic duct
e. internal jugular vein

Answer 1

Answer:

c. subclavian artery.

Explanation:

The subclavian artery is the structure that is most likely to be penetrated because the subclavian vein and artery have the same distribution, the only thing that separates them is the anterior scalene muscle, which makes the artery posterior to the anterior scalene and the vein being anterior to this muscle.