Pus in the pleural cavity.

Pus in the pleural cavity.

• A. Anemia
• B. Angina
• C. Anoxia
• D. Empyema

Answer: (D)

Pus in the pleural cavity is called empyema. This condition occurs when an infection leads to the accumulation of purulent fluid in the pleural space, the thin gap between the lungs and the chest wall. The pleural space normally has only a small amount of lubricating fluid, but infection from pneumonia, a lung abscess, or chest surgery can cause inflammatory exudate to build up and become pus. Clinically, you might see fever, chest pain, cough, and trouble breathing, with imaging showing a pleural effusion that may be loculated. Treatment centers on draining the pus—via thoracentesis or a chest tube—and administering antibiotics; more persistent cases may require surgical intervention. The other options describe different problems (anemia is low blood oxygen-carrying capacity, angina is heart-related chest pain, anoxia is lack of oxygen) and do not refer to pus in the chest cavity.

Pus in the pleural cavity is called empyema. This condition occurs when an infection leads to the accumulation of purulent fluid in the pleural space, the thin gap between the lungs and the chest wall. The pleural space normally has only a small amount of lubricating fluid, but infection from pneumonia, a lung abscess, or chest surgery can cause inflammatory exudate to build up and become pus. Clinically, you might see fever, chest pain, cough, and trouble breathing, with imaging showing a pleural effusion that may be loculated. Treatment centers on draining the pus—via thoracentesis or a chest tube—and administering antibiotics; more persistent cases may require surgical intervention. The other options describe different problems (anemia is low blood oxygen-carrying capacity, angina is heart-related chest pain, anoxia is lack of oxygen) and do not refer to pus in the chest cavity.