Which finding is NOT typical of a pleural effusion?

Which finding is NOT typical of a pleural effusion?

• A. Dyspnea on exertion
• B. Dullness to percussion
• C. Decreased tactile fremitus
• D. Hyperresonance to percussion

Answer: (D)

Pleural effusion alters the way the chest feels and sounds because fluid in the pleural space dampens vibration and compresses the lung. This leads to dullness to percussion, and tactile fremitus is decreased since the fluid blocks vibration from the airways to the chest wall. Dyspnea on exertion is common because the fluid reduces available lung volume and hampers gas exchange. Hyperresonance to percussion is not typical; hyperresonance indicates more air in the chest, as seen with pneumothorax or advanced emphysema, not a fluid collection. So the nontypical finding is hyperresonance.

Pleural effusion alters the way the chest feels and sounds because fluid in the pleural space dampens vibration and compresses the lung. This leads to dullness to percussion, and tactile fremitus is decreased since the fluid blocks vibration from the airways to the chest wall. Dyspnea on exertion is common because the fluid reduces available lung volume and hampers gas exchange. Hyperresonance to percussion is not typical; hyperresonance indicates more air in the chest, as seen with pneumothorax or advanced emphysema, not a fluid collection. So the nontypical finding is hyperresonance.