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 muffles sound transmission and compresses the lung, changing several exam findings. Because fluid in the pleural space dampens vibrations and reduces the path for sound, percussion usually yields a dull note over the area of the effusion. Tactile fremitus decreases because the fluid blocks the vibration from the vocal cords to the chest wall. Dyspnea on exertion is common as the lung cannot expand fully and gas exchange is impaired. Breath sounds are diminished or absent over the fluid due to the compressed lung. Hyperresonance to percussion, by contrast, indicates increased air in the chest—such as in pneumothorax or emphysema—not fluid. So the finding that is not typical of a pleural effusion is hyperresonance.

Pleural effusion muffles sound transmission and compresses the lung, changing several exam findings. Because fluid in the pleural space dampens vibrations and reduces the path for sound, percussion usually yields a dull note over the area of the effusion. Tactile fremitus decreases because the fluid blocks the vibration from the vocal cords to the chest wall. Dyspnea on exertion is common as the lung cannot expand fully and gas exchange is impaired. Breath sounds are diminished or absent over the fluid due to the compressed lung.

Hyperresonance to percussion, by contrast, indicates increased air in the chest—such as in pneumothorax or emphysema—not fluid. So the finding that is not typical of a pleural effusion is hyperresonance.