Question
A patient presented with pain on the left side of the chest. On examination, there was dullness on percussion on left infra-axillary area. X-ray Chest showed left opaque hemithorax. Which one of the following is an indication for tube thoracentesis in this case?
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CMS 2026 Surgery, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, and PSM Question Paper (02-Aug-2026)
The correct answer is
Pleural fluid glucose < 60 mg/dL
For parapneumonic effusion/empyema, indications for chest tube (tube thoracostomy) include pleural fluid pH < 7.2, glucose < 60 mg/dL, LDH > 1000 IU/L, positive Gram stain/culture, or frank pus. Straw-coloured fluid, pH > 7.2, and LDH < 600 are reassuring findings not requiring drainage. Pleural fluid glucose < 60 mg/dL indicates a complicated effusion needing tube thoracentesis.
Was this answer helpful?
Important Questions from Pneumonia
- The pleural fluid is considered as empyema if following is present in it:
- All are the causes of Interstitial lung disease EXCEPT:
- Which one of the following antigens is commonly associated with causation of Farmer's lung?
- The most common agent responsible for community acquired pneumonia is:
- All of the following are extrapulmonary manifestations of mycoplasma infection EXCEPT:
Need Expert Advice?
More Questions from UPSC CMS
