Test on Pleural Effusions and Pneumothorax

Question 1: Elevated capillary pressure in the pleural membranes can lead to transudative effusions.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: Transudative effusions are caused by pathophysiology related to either elevated capillary pressure in the visceral or parietal pleura or decreased plasma oncotic pressure.

Question 2: Blunting of the costophrenic angle on a chest radiograph is typical of a small pleural effusion.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: Figure 2-6 A shows an upright chest radiograph with blunting of the right costophrenic angle, which is explicitly stated as typical of a small right pleural effusion.

Question 3: According to the provided study materials, a decreased lymphatic flow from the pleural surface is a pathophysiological mechanism associated with which type of pleural effusion?

A. Transudative effusions

B. Exudative effusions

C. Both transudative and exudative effusions

D. Neither transudative nor exudative effusions

Explanation: The study materials state under 'Exudative effusions' that their pathophysiology is 'caused by increased permeability of pleural surfaces or decreased lymphatic flow from pleural surface because of damage to pleural membranes or vasculature'. Transudative effusions, however, are due to elevated capillary pressure or decreased plasma oncotic pressure.

Question 4: Which of the following describes a key pathophysiological mechanism leading to transudative effusions?

A. Increased permeability of pleural surfaces

B. Elevated capillary pressure in visceral or parenteral pleura

C. Decreased lymphatic flow from the pleural surface

D. Decreased plasma oncotic pressure

Explanation: The study materials state that the pathophysiology of transudative effusions is due to either elevated capillary pressure in visceral or parenteral pleura, or decreased plasma oncotic pressure. Increased permeability of pleural surfaces and decreased lymphatic flow are mechanisms associated with exudative effusions.

Question 5: Bloody effusion in the pleural fluid is typically a diagnostic pearl for pancreatitis.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study materials state that bloody effusion is a diagnostic pearl for malignancy, not pancreatitis.