A pleural fluid sample is analyzed and shows a specific gravity of 1.025, protein concentration of 4 g/dL, and abundant neutrophils on cytology. This fluid is best classified as:

• A Transudate
• B Exudate ✓
• C Pseudochylous effusion
• D Normal pleural fluid

Explanation

An inflammatory exudate is defined by high protein content, specific gravity above 1.020, and cellular richness reflecting increased vascular permeability during acute inflammation. A transudate arises from hydrostatic or osmotic imbalance with intact endothelium, giving low protein, specific gravity below 1.012, and few cells. The elevated protein and gravity here rule out transudate, making B the only defensible answer.

Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.