Question

Criteria for complicated pleural effusion/empyema:

a) Pleural fluid pH < 7.2, glucose < 60 mg/dL, positive gram stain or culture
b) Pleural fluid pH > 7.2, glucose > 60 mg/dL, negative gram stain or culture
c) Pleural fluid pH < 7.2, glucose > 60 mg/dL, positive gram stain or culture
d) Pleural fluid pH > 7.2, glucose < 60 mg/dL, negative gram stain or culture

Answer 1

In pleural effusion/empyema, the criteria for a complicated case include pleural fluid pH < 7.2, glucose < 60 mg/dL, and positive gram stain or culture.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the case of pleural effusion/empyema, the criteria for a complicated case are as follows:

1. Pleural fluid pH < 7.2
2. Glucose < 60 mg/dL
3. Positive gram stain or culture

This means that if the pleural fluid has a pH below 7.2 and glucose levels below 60 mg/dL, or if there's a positive result in the gram stain or culture, the pleural effusion/empyema is considered complicated.