An accumulation of blood in the intrapleural space is ?

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-21 July 2019 (Shift-2nd)

Explanation

Hemothorax is the correct medical term for an accumulation of blood in the pleural space (the area between the lung and the chest wall).
The prefix 'hemo-' refers to blood, and 'thorax' refers to the chest, making the term's meaning literal.
This condition is often caused by trauma, such as a rib fracture or penetrating injury, which damages blood vessels.
The collected blood occupies space, preventing the lung from expanding fully, which leads to symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain.

Option A: Chylothorax is the accumulation of chyle, a milky lymphatic fluid, in the pleural space, not blood.
Option B: Tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening condition where air accumulates under pressure in the pleural space, causing a shift of the mediastinum. It is an accumulation of air, not blood.
Option C: Pneumothorax is the general term for the presence of air in the pleural space, which leads to lung collapse. It does not involve blood.

Visual 1: Diagram - An illustration comparing a healthy lung with lungs affected by hemothorax, pneumothorax, and chylothorax. This helps visualize the different substances accumulating in the pleural space.
Visual 2: Chest X-ray - An annotated chest X-ray image showing the characteristic appearance of a hemothorax, typically a blunting of the costophrenic angle and an opaque area in the lower lung field.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Pathophysiology of Pleural Space Disorders helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Recognizing the signs of hemothorax is a critical nursing skill, as it can lead to respiratory failure and hemorrhagic shock if not treated promptly.
Nurses play a key role in managing patients with hemothorax, primarily through monitoring chest tube drainage, assessing respiratory status, and managing pain.
A key patient safety concern is monitoring the rate of blood loss via the chest tube. Drainage exceeding 200 mL/hr may signal ongoing, active bleeding requiring urgent surgical intervention.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'accumulation of blood' and 'intrapleural space'.
Analyze the options by breaking down the medical terminology.
The prefix 'hemo-' means blood.
The prefix 'pneumo-' means air or lung.
The term 'chylo-' refers to chyle (lymphatic fluid).
Combine the prefix with 'thorax' (chest). 'Hemothorax' literally means 'blood in the chest'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full RRB Nsg. Superintendent-21 July 2019 (Shift-2nd)

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