Author Question: What is indicated by the presence of gas bubbles within the pleural fluid without prior surgery or ... (Read 54 times)

hubes95 · **on:** Jul 16, 2018

What is indicated by the presence of gas bubbles within the pleural fluid without prior surgery or needle insertion?

a. Hemothorax
b. Pneumothorax
c. Empyema
d. CHF

Question 2

Which of the following statements is false regarding the use of the chest x-ray to detect a pneu-mothorax?

a. An expiratory film may be best for a small pneumothorax.
b. The standard chest film is of limited use in detecting a pneumothorax.
c. The film will show a lack of vascular markings in the affected region.
d. The lung margin is often visible with a pneumothorax.

tofugiraffe · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 16, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The presence of gas bubbles within the fluid without prior surgery or needle insertion (which can introduce air) establishes the diagnosis of empyema.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The clinician can easily detect a pneumothorax on the standard chest film in most cases by seeing the lung margin and noting absence of bronchovascular markings between the lung margin and the inner aspect of the chest wall. Visualizing a small pneumothorax may be assisted by taking the chest radiograph when the patient exhales.