Pleural Effusion

Which of the following is(are) associated with exudative effusion?

1. Few blood cells

2. Inflammation

3. Thin and watery fluid

4. Infection

• 2 only

• 4 only

• 1 and 3 only

• 2 and 4 only

Which of the following is probably the most common cause of a transudative pleural effusion?

• Pulmonary embolus

• Congestive heart failure

• Hepatic hydrothorax

• Nephrotic syndrome

Which of the following is(are) associated with pleural effusion?

• Increased RV

• Decreased RV/TLC ratio

• Increased VT

• Decreased VC

What would you expect to see on a chest x-ray if a patient has a pleural effusion?

• Mediastinal shift toward affected side

• Hyperinflation

• Blunted costophrenic angles

• Pneumothorax

Where would a chest tube be placed to drain a pleural effusion?

• 1-2 intercostal space at the midaxillary line

• 3-4 intercostal space at the midaxillary line

• 4-5 intercostal space at the midaxillary line

• 5-6 intercostal space at the midaxillary line