Pleural Effusion - IX + Mx

Question 1

Bilateral are more likely ? effusions

Unilateral are more likely ? effusions

Answer 1

trans

ex

Question 2

Ix

• CXR - can be detected when >?ml is present, a ? upper border implies there is also a pneumothorax
• USS - recommended to guide ? - if unavailable, percuss ? border and go ? ICSpaces ?
• Aspiration - send for ???, clinical chem for ?, ??? and ?, and send for ?, as well as run through a blood gas machine to find out ?

Answer 2

300
flat
aspiration
upper
2
below
MCS
protein, LDH, glucose
cytology
pH

Question 3

Exudates have a protein level of >? g/L, trans have a protein level g/L

If level between 25-35 - ? +ve element of ? criteria will suggest an exudate

• fluid protein divided by serum protein is >?
• pleural fluid ? divided by serum LDH is >?
• Pl fluid LDH more than ? ? the upper limits of normal serum LDH

Answer 3

30
30
one
Light's
0.5
LDH
0.6
two thirds

Question 4

Mx

• if aspirated fluid is ?/? then place a ? ? and consider ? ABx (or if pH < ? = also suggests ?)
• should drain if ?, with aspiration as per ? tap, or using an ? drain
• manage the ? cause of effusion

Answer 4

yellow
turbid
chest drain
IV
7.2
empyema
Sx
diagnostic
intercostal
underlying