Asthma USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 63-year-old man with a history of asthma presents with fever (38.5°C), pleuritic chest pain, and dyspnea. Vital signs show BP 128/82 mmHg, HR 102/min, RR 22/min, and SpO2 92% on room air. Chest X-ray reveals a left pleural effusion following bacterial pneumonia. Thoracentesis fluid shows protein ratio 0.7 and LDH ratio 0.8. Pleural fluid cultures remain negative. Which classification best describes this effusion?
Answer choices
- APseudochylous effusion from rheumatoid pleuritis
- BTransudative effusion due to increased hydrostatic pressure
- CExudative effusion due to pleural inflammationCorrect answer
- DChylous effusion due to thoracic duct injury
- EHemothorax due to trauma
- FParapneumonic effusion with organism-positive pleural fluid culture
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