A 77-Year-Old Man Comes to the Emergency Department Due to Cough

A 77-year-old man comes to the emergency department due to cough, shortness of breath, sharp chest pains, night sweats, and fatigue for 4 days.  Temperature is 38.3 C (101 F) , blood pressure is 110/62 mm Hg, pulse is 106/min, and respirations are 24/min.  The patient appears ill.  Neck veins are nondistended.  There is decreased chest expansion on the right side.  Auscultation reveals decreased breath sounds over the right lung base.  Chest imaging shows a right lower lobe infiltrate and a small, free-flowing pleural effusion on the right side.  Thoracentesis is performed.  Laboratory results are as follows: Which of the following processes best explains this patient's pleural fluid findings?

A) Elevated pulmonary capillary hydrostatic pressure
B) Movement of sterile exudate into the pleural space
C) Obstruction of lymphatic pleural fluid drainage
D) Reduced pleural capillary oncotic pressure

Correct Answer:

Verified

Unlock this answer now
Get Access to more Verified Answers free of charge

Access For Free