Pleuritis Flashcards
1
Q
A 43-yr. old female with no past medical history presents to your clinic complaining of localized sharp pain WORSE WITH COUGHING or DEEP BREATHS. On exam, the patient is breathing 16RR/min, shallow, and guarding chest against pain. What diagnosis is HIGHEST on your differential? A: Pleural effusion s/p pneumonia B: Spontaneous pneumothorax C: Pleuritis s/p viral infection D: Simple rib fracture s/p fall
A
C: Pleuritis s/p viral infection
Answer: C (inflammation of the pleural lining that occurs in young healthy adults due to viral infection, pneumonia, or simple rib fracture)
2
Q
In this patient with pleuritis, what would be the most appropriate treatment recommendations?
A
Answer: Treat the underlying condition; administer pain medications (NSAIDs – reduce INFLAMMATION OF THE PLEURAL LINING; most often Indomethacin is used; control cough with codeine or other opioids)
3
Q
What complication occurs with pleuritis that requires immediate referral?
A
Answer: Large pleural effusion (REFER for diagnostic / therapeutic tx)
