A patient presents with foot drop and a sensory deficit over the dorsum of the foot. Which nerve is most likely injured?

A Tibial nerve

B Femoral nerve

C Common fibular (peroneal) nerve

D Sciatic nerve

✓ Correct Answer: Option C

The common fibular (peroneal) nerve innervates the muscles responsible for dorsiflexion of the foot (e.g., tibialis anterior) and provides sensation to the dorsum of the foot. Injury to this nerve typically causes foot drop and sensory loss in that region.

💡 Why is C) the correct answer?

The correct answer to the question "A patient presents with foot drop and a sensory deficit over the dorsum of the foot. Which nerve is most likely injured?" is Option C: Common fibular (peroneal) nerve.

The other options — A) Tibial nerve, B) Femoral nerve, D) Sciatic nerve — are incorrect for this USMLE Exam Prep question. As explained above: The common fibular (peroneal) nerve innervates the muscles responsible for dorsiflexion of the foot (e.g., tibialis anterior) and provides sensation to the dorsum of the foot. Injury to this nerve ty…

📚 About This USMLE Exam Prep Practice Question

This 2-level USMLE Exam Prep question from the Step 1 – Basic Sciences topic is part of BrainForge Quiz's free exam preparation library. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed explanation to help you understand the underlying concept, not just memorize the answer.

How to use this page: Read the question above, consider all four options (A through D), then check the highlighted correct answer and explanation. For active timed practice, start a free USMLE Exam Prep practice test or use flashcards for spaced repetition review.

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A patient presents with foot drop and a sensory deficit over the dorsum of the foot. Which nerve is most likely injured?

✓ Correct Answer: Option C

📚 About This USMLE Exam Prep Practice Question

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