ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

Which condition is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity?

1. Pneumothorax

2. Empyema

3. Asthma

4. Bronchitis

The correct answer is: Empyema

The condition characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity is empyema. Empyema specifically refers to the presence of pus within the pleural space, which can occur as a result of infection, inflammation, or following certain lung conditions. This fluid accumulation can lead to symptoms such as chest pain, cough, and difficulty breathing, as it affects the lungs' ability to expand fully with air. In contrast, pneumothorax involves the presence of air in the pleural cavity, which can cause lung collapse and is a different pathology. Asthma and bronchitis are primarily disorders of the airways and do not involve fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity. Asthma is characterized by reversible airway obstruction due to bronchial hyperreactivity, while bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often associated with mucus production and chronic cough, but neither condition pertains to fluid in the pleural space.