Pleural Effusion: Definition and Etiology

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What is the definition of pleural effusion?

An excess quantity of fluid in the pericardial space

An excess quantity of fluid in the pleural space caused by decreased pleural fluid formation

An excess quantity of fluid in the pericardial space due to decreased lymphatic removal

An excess quantity of fluid in the pleural space caused by increased pleural fluid formation (correct)

What is the normal volume of clear liquid with low protein content in the pleural space?

3.5 to 7.0 ml (correct)

20 to 25 ml

10 to 15 ml

5 to 10 ml

What are the etiologies of transudative effusion?

Increased hydrostatic pressure and decreased oncotic pressure

Increased production due to increased hydrostatic or decreased oncotic pressures (correct)

Decreased hydrostatic pressure and increased oncotic pressure

Increased production due to abnormal capillary permeability

In healthy patients, how is the pleural fluid primarily formed and absorbed?

Formed primarily by transudation from the parietal pleura and absorbed primarily by the capillaries and lymphatics Signup and view all the answers

What symptoms may patients experience with large effusions?

Dyspnea and chest pain Signup and view all the answers

What does an exudative effusion result from?

Increased production due to abnormal capillary permeability Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is characterized by sudden onset of unilateral pleuritic pain and increasing breathlessness?

Pneumothorax Signup and view all the answers

What can be found on examination of a patient with pleuritic pain, fever, and signs of consolidation?

Dullness to percussion and decreased fremitus Signup and view all the answers

What is the suggested diagnosis for pale yellow (straw) pleural fluid?

Transudate Signup and view all the answers

What investigation can help diagnose TB or cancer in patients with pleural effusion?

Cytology of pleural fluid Signup and view all the answers

What is the treatment for transudative effusion?

Treat underlying cause Signup and view all the answers

Which condition may present with blunting of costophrenic angles on chest x-ray?

Transudative effusion Signup and view all the answers

What is the main aim of treatment for pneumothorax?

Get the patient back to active life Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is characterized by accumulation of air in the pleural space?

Pneumothorax Signup and view all the answers

What diagnostic test can differentiate pleural fluid from pleural scarring?

Decubitus films Signup and view all the answers

What investigation may show an area devoid of lung markings in a patient with pneumothorax?

Chest radiography Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of bronchial asthma?

Recurrent episodes of airway obstruction Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT associated with the development of bronchial asthma?

Regular exercise Signup and view all the answers

What part of the respiratory system is affected during bronchial asthma?

Bronchioles Signup and view all the answers

What maternal status factor is associated with asthmatic stress in the child?

Anemia Signup and view all the answers

Which occupational exposure can contribute to the development of bronchial asthma?

Chemicals Signup and view all the answers

What are the typical symptoms of bronchial asthma?

Wheezing and coughing Signup and view all the answers

What test confirms the presence of airway obstruction and measures the degree of lung function impairment?

FEV1 Signup and view all the answers

What is the measurement of Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) during a mild asthma attack?

70 to 90% of personal best Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of a mild asthma attack?

Hiccups Signup and view all the answers

During a severe asthma attack, what is an indication of severe difficulty breathing?

Rib retractions Signup and view all the answers

What does the Prick test measure?

Allergic reaction to an allergen Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is commonly associated with mild asthma attacks?

Difficulty sleeping Signup and view all the answers