USMLE Forum Archives - USMLE Step 3 - IM4
IM4
bingousmle - 06-20-10 05:54
As you evaluate a patient with shortness of breath, you appreciate decreased breath sounds at the left-lung base. You suspect the patient has a small pleural effusion. Which of the following views of the chest is this small pleural effusion most likely to be detected?
a. Supine
b. Lateral decubitus right-side down
c. Lateral decubitus left-side down
d. Lateral
e. Posterior-anterior (PA)
bingousmle - 06-20-10 05:54
As you evaluate a patient with shortness of breath, you appreciate decreased breath sounds at the left-lung base. You suspect the patient has a small pleural effusion. Which of the following views of the chest is this small pleural effusion most likely to be detected?
a. Supine
b. Lateral decubitus right-side down
c. Lateral decubitus left-side down
d. Lateral
e. Posterior-anterior (PA)
The correct answer and explanation will be available after you answer.
Page 1
#2
Re: IM4
bingousmle - 06-20-10 06:30 My answer is: c.
Small effusions can be missed entirely on supine views and are not
generally apparent on PA views and lateral views until 200 mL or more of fluid are present. hence C Lateral decubitus left-side down
#3
Re: IM4 babbu5508 - 06-20-10 14:08 My answer is: c.
c. Lateral decubitus left-side down..On a lateral decubitus, amounts as small as 5ml of fluid are possible...and also useful for differentiating pleural effusions from consolidation
Page 1