Clin Lab Med - Electrolytes / Pleural Fluid

A pleural effusion is an _______ accumulation of a significant volume of fluid in the pleural space.

• abnormal

• normal

Milky white pleural fluid

• should be centrifuged

• signifies emphyema

• suggests a chylous effusion

• often from traumatic disruption of the thoracic duct

• hemorrhagic pleural effusion

empyema

• abnormal accumulation of a significant volume of fluid in the pleural space

• infection of the pleural space

occur in the setting of normal capillary integrity and suggest the absence of local pleural disease. 90% CHF

• Transudates

• Exudates

form as a result of pleural disease associated with increased capillary permeability or reduced lymphatic drainage

• Transudates

• Exudates

________ and ________are the most common causes of exudative effusion.

• Bacterial pneumonia

• cancer

• COPD

• asthma

Transudative pleural effusions characteristically occur in the ________ of pleural disease.

• absence

• presence

Pleural fluid analysis -- glucose

<30 mg/dL (0-10):

• Rheumatoid

• TB, malignancy, SLE

Pleural fluid anaylsis -- glucose

30 - 50 mg/dL:

• Rheumatoid

• TB, malignancy, SLE

Pleural fluid analysis -- pH ***

pH < 7.30

• ALWAYS means EXUDATE (empyema, rheumatoid, TB, malignancy, SLE)

• consistent with esophageal rupture --> coming from GI tract

• transudates