A patient has pneumonia and a right pleural effusion. If the pleural exudate fluid is infected, it will show:
1) a low protein level.
2) a high white blood cell count.
3) bacteria.
4) many red blood cells.
A) 1, 2
B) 2, 3
C) 1, 3, 4
D) 1, 2, 3, 4

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Infected pleural exudate fluid will show a high white blood cell count and bacteria among other characteristic findings. A transudate will have a low protein level and other characteristic findings. Many red blood cells would indicate a pulmonary embolism.

A Patient Has Pneumonia and a Right Pleural Effusion