During a chest assessment on a patient with a large pleural effusion, which of the following would be expected?
1) Increased tactile and vocal fremitus
2) Hyperresonant percussion note
3) Diminished breath sounds
4) Tracheal shift
A)1, 4
B)1, 2
C)3, 4
D)1, 3, 4

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pleural effusion typically leads to diminished breath sounds due to fluid accumulation in the pleural space, and tracheal shift if the effusion is large enough to exert pressure on the mediastinum. Increased tactile and vocal fremitus and hyperresonant percussion notes are not characteristic of pleural effusion; instead, fremitus is usually decreased, and percussion notes are dull.

During a Chest Assessment on a Patient with a Large