Test yourself
Pleural effusion: simple or septated?
5 questions. Pick an answer to see whether you are right and why. Your score appears at the end.
Question 1A black, anechoic pleural effusion is what?
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Answer a. Anechoic fluid does not tell you the type.
Question 2What do septations in a pleural effusion suggest?
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Answer d. Septations come from fibrin in an inflammatory effusion.
Question 3What can mimic septations?
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Answer d. Follow the lung and look for its air.
Question 4A febrile patient has a septated effusion. What next?
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Answer a. Pleural infection may need a drain.
Question 5Which pleural fluid result suggests the effusion needs a drain in pleural infection?
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Answer b. Low pH, pus or organisms point to drainage.
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