Pleural Effusions & Pleurisy

Question 1

What term refers to the sharp chest pain caused by pleurisy, that worsens during breathing?

Answer 1

Pleuritis

Question 2

Pleuritis is a common cause of stabbing pain and is usually preceded by

Answer 2

A prolonged cough

Question 3

What is the most common complaint of pleurisy?

Answer 3

Dyspnea that often increases with recumbent positions

Question 4

As the size of a pleural effusion increases, what worsens?

Answer 4

Cough

Question 5

Absent breath sounds may be heard over a(n)

Answer 5

Effusion

Question 6

A pleural friction rub is diagnostic of

Answer 6

Pleural effusion/pleurisy

Question 7

Dullness on lung percussion indicates

Answer 7

Pleurisy

Question 8

Increased/decreased fremitus indicates

Answer 8

Pleurisy

Question 9

A chest x-ray in pleurisy should be

Answer 9

Negative

Question 10

What are common causes of pleurisy?

Answer 10

HF, PE, cirrhosis, TB, post surgery (CABG), PNA, cancer, kidney disease, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases

Question 11

What diagnostic tests should be ordered?

Answer 11

Chest x-ray, CT, CBC, EKG, PET scan (if malignant pleural effusion), thoracentesis/pleural fluid analysis

Question 12

What drug is often used successfully to treat pleuritic pain and does not suppress respirations?

Answer 12

Indomethacin

Question 13

What is the treatment for pneumonia for a patient without comorbidities?

Answer 13

Amoxicillin, doxy, or a macrolide

Question 14

What is the treatment for pneumonia for a patient with comorbidities?

Answer 14

Combo therapy or fluoroquinolone alone

Question 15

What is the likely pathogen of pneumonia?

Answer 15

Streptococcus