Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

How is effusion defined in a medical context?

1. The closing of a cavity

2. The buildup of air in the lungs

3. The escape of fluid into a cavity

4. The inflammation of pleurae

The correct answer is: The escape of fluid into a cavity

In a medical context, effusion is defined as the escape of fluid into a cavity, which is accurately captured by the correct answer. This process typically occurs when there is an imbalance between the production and absorption of fluid within the body. It can happen in various cavities, such as the pleural space around the lungs, the peritoneal cavity in the abdomen, or even in joint spaces. Effusions can lead to various health issues depending on the location and amount of fluid present. For instance, pleural effusions can result from conditions like heart failure, infection, or malignancy, leading to symptoms such as difficulty breathing and chest pain due to pressure on the lungs. The other choices, while they describe different medical processes or conditions, do not accurately define effusion. The closing of a cavity does not pertain to the concept of fluid movement, the buildup of air in the lungs refers to conditions like pneumothorax, and the inflammation of pleurae describes pleuritis, which is a separate process often associated with effusion but does not define it.