The pleural cavity is partially or completely filled by fluid exudate, tumor, blood or air (pneumothorax). This describes which condition?

Prepare for your CVP and GI Pathology Exam. Study using flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations to excel in your test.

Multiple Choice

The pleural cavity is partially or completely filled by fluid exudate, tumor, blood or air (pneumothorax). This describes which condition?

Explanation:
External compression of the lung by contents in the pleural space causes collapse of the lung tissue. When the pleural cavity is partially or completely filled by fluid, blood, tumor, or air, the normal negative pressure that keeps the lung expanded is lost, and the lung is squashed from the outside. This external pressure leads to atelectasis, meaning the alveoli in the affected areas collapse and the lung volume decreases. Pleural effusion, pneumothorax, and hemothorax are examples of conditions that create that external compression, making compression atelectasis the best description of the scenario.

External compression of the lung by contents in the pleural space causes collapse of the lung tissue. When the pleural cavity is partially or completely filled by fluid, blood, tumor, or air, the normal negative pressure that keeps the lung expanded is lost, and the lung is squashed from the outside. This external pressure leads to atelectasis, meaning the alveoli in the affected areas collapse and the lung volume decreases. Pleural effusion, pneumothorax, and hemothorax are examples of conditions that create that external compression, making compression atelectasis the best description of the scenario.

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