Which condition describes an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space that chest tube drainage can address?

Which condition describes an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space that chest tube drainage can address?

• A. Pneumothorax
• B. Pleural effusion
• C. Hemothorax
• D. None of the above

Answer: (B)

The main idea is fluid building up in the space between the lung and chest wall. That condition is pleural effusion, and a chest tube can be used to drain that fluid, relieve pressure on the lung, and allow the lung to re-expand. This is different from air in the pleural space (pneumothorax) or blood in the pleural space (hemothorax), which are managed differently. So the description matches pleural effusion—a fluid collection in the pleural space that can be addressed with drainage.

The main idea is fluid building up in the space between the lung and chest wall. That condition is pleural effusion, and a chest tube can be used to drain that fluid, relieve pressure on the lung, and allow the lung to re-expand. This is different from air in the pleural space (pneumothorax) or blood in the pleural space (hemothorax), which are managed differently. So the description matches pleural effusion—a fluid collection in the pleural space that can be addressed with drainage.