During an epidural, into which space should the medication be injected?

• A. Spinal cord
• B. Cerebrospinal fluid
• C. Epidural space
• D. Subdural space

Answer: (C)

The medication during an epidural should be injected into the epidural space. This is the area between the outermost layer covering the spinal cord and the bony vertebrae of the spine. The purpose of an epidural injection is to provide anesthesia or analgesia in a targeted area by allowing the medication to work on the nerve roots as they exit the spinal column, providing pain relief, particularly during procedures or labor.

Injecting into the spinal cord or cerebrospinal fluid would not only be technically difficult but could also lead to serious complications, such as neurological damage or excessive anesthesia. Similarly, injecting into the subdural space, which is located deeper and is surrounded by the dura mater, could also compromise the effectiveness of the anesthesia and carry risks of complications. Therefore, targeting the epidural space is essential to achieve the desired anesthetic effect safely and effectively.