Question

Which position best demonstrates pleural effusion of the right lung if the patient cannot stand?

A) Left lateral decubitus
B) Right lateral decubitus
C) Supine
D) Trendelenburg

Answer 1

The Right lateral decubitus position best demonstrates pleural effusion of the right lung in a patient who cannot stand, as it allows fluid to settle and be more visible on imaging.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of pleural effusion of the right lung where the patient is unable to stand, the best position to demonstrate the fluid collection would be B) Right lateral decubitus. In this position, gravity causes the fluid to settle against the lower (dependent) parts of the pleural cavity, which in this case is the right side, making it more visible in imaging studies. Positions such as supine may not show the effusion as well without gravity to draw the fluid down, and Trendelenburg positioning is not typically used for this purpose.