Field Internship Student Data Acquisition Project. (FISDAP) Airway Practice Exam

Which condition involves a collection of fluid outside the lung that can lead to dyspnea?

1. Pneumonia

2. Pleural effusion

3. Bronchiectasis

4. Acute bronchitis

The correct answer is: Pleural effusion

Pleural effusion is a condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, which is the area between the lungs and the chest wall. This collection of fluid can restrict lung expansion, leading to difficulty breathing, or dyspnea. The fluid accumulation can be caused by various factors, including infections, congestive heart failure, malignancies, and inflammatory processes. As the fluid builds up, it can cause pain and discomfort in the chest, as well as impede the normal function of the lungs. This restriction is particularly noticeable when taking deep breaths, resulting in a feeling of shortness of breath. Other conditions listed, such as pneumonia, bronchiectasis, and acute bronchitis, primarily involve inflammation, infection, or structural changes within the lung tissue itself rather than fluid accumulation in the pleural space. Therefore, while they can also lead to dyspnea, they do so through different mechanisms unrelated to excess fluid outside the lung.