A large pleural effusion commonly demonstrates which of the following findings during a chest assessment?
1) Increased tactile and vocal fremitus
2) Hyperresonant percussion note
3) Diminished breath sounds
4) Tracheal shift
A)1
B)2, 3
C)3, 4
D)1, 3, 4

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A large pleural effusion can cause the lung to collapse, leading to a shift in the trachea and mediastinum towards the unaffected side. This is reflected as tracheal shift. Due to decreased air-filled spaces, a pleural effusion will produce dullness to percussion with decreased tactile and vocal fremitus. Additionally, there will be a decrease in breath sounds heard over the affected area.

A Large Pleural Effusion Commonly Demonstrates Which of the Following