Pleural effusion Quiz: Ace Your Exams

Get ready to dominate your medical and nursing exams by using our dynamic quizzes to elevate your knowledge and increase your confidence. Whether you're gearing up for the USMLE®, COMLEX®, or your next in-class assessment, Osmosis quizzes tackle key topics in pathology, diagnostics, and treatment approaches. By honing in on clinical readiness and decision-making, we make sure the knowledge you gain empowers you both in the classroom and in real-world practice. Jump in and supercharge your exam prep!

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A 62-year-old man with stage IV adenocarcinoma of the lung presents to the emergency department with worsening dyspnea, nonproductive cough, and fatigue over the past week. The patient had a pleural catheter placed last month for a left-sided, recurrent pleural effusion. He has had minimal output from the catheter over the past week. He has not experienced chest pain or fever. Temperature is 36.6 °C (97.9 ℉), pulse is 110/min, blood pressure is 132/80 mmHg, respiratory rate is 20/min, and SpO2 is 88% on room air. On examination, the patient has significant dyspnea with exertion. He states that he is short of breath while seated, but appears comfortable at rest. A left pleural catheter is in place without any drainage. Decreased chest expansion is noted on the left, with absent breath sounds and dullness to percussion throughout most of the left lung field. The trachea is slightly deviated to the right. What is the best next step in management?  

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