Pleural effusions and pneumothorax

Question 1

Pleural effusion:

transexudate

Answer 1

Low protein content

Due to CHF, nephrotic syndrome, hepatic cirrhosis

Question 2

Pleural effusion:

exudate

Answer 2

High protein content, cloudy
Due to malignancy, pneumonia, collagen vascular disease, trauma (occurs in states of high vascular permeability)

Must be drained in light of risk of infection

Question 3

Pleural effusion:

lymphatics

Answer 3

Also know as chylothorax

Due to thoracic duct injury from trauma, malignancy.

Question 4

Pneumothorax

Answer 4

Unilateral chest pain and dysnpnea,
unilateral chest expansion,
low tactile fremitus, hyperresonance, diminished breath sound.

Question 5

Pneumothorax:

Spontaneous pneumothorax

Answer 5

Accumulation of air in the pleural space;
occurs in fall, thin, young males due to rupture of apical blelbs.

Trachea deviates toward affected lung

Question 6

Pneumothorax:

Tension pneumothorax

Answer 6

Usually in setting of trauma or lung infection;
Air is capable of entering pleural space but not exiting

Trachea deviates away from affected lung.