Which of the following is a potential complication of intercostal nerve block?

The potential complication of intercostal nerve block that is most commonly recognized is pneumothorax. An intercostal nerve block involves the injection of anesthetic around the intercostal nerves, which are located near the ribs. During this procedure, there is a risk of inadvertently puncturing the pleura, the membrane that surrounds the lung, which can lead to air entering the pleural cavity, resulting in pneumothorax. Symptoms of pneumothorax may include sudden chest pain and shortness of breath.

While other complications such as cardiac arrhythmia, deep vein thrombosis, and hemorrhage can occur in various clinical contexts, they are not directly associated with the intercostal nerve block as pneumothorax is. Therefore, understanding the anatomy and the location of the intercostal nerves is crucial for healthcare providers to minimize these risks during the procedure.