A 60-year-old female with a history of cirrhosis and low serum albumin presents with dyspnea, impaired ventilation, and pleural pain. A diagnosis of pleural effusion is made, and a watery fluid is drained. When giving report, the nurse will refer to this fluid as

Choice A reason: Exudative fluid is not the type of fluid drained from the patient. Exudative fluid is a high-protein fluid that results from inflammation or infection of the pleura. It is usually cloudy and contains white blood cells, bacteria, or blood. Choice B reason: Purulent fluid is not the type of fluid drained from the patient. Purulent fluid is a thick, yellow-green fluid that results from a bacterial infection of the pleura. It is also known as empyema and contains pus and dead tissue. Choice C reason: Transudative fluid is the type of fluid drained from the patient. Transudative fluid is a low-protein fluid that results from increased hydrostatic pressure or decreased oncotic pressure in the pleural space. It is usually clear and contains few cells or organisms. It can be caused by conditions such as heart failure, cirrhosis, or nephrotic syndrome. Choice D reason: Infectious fluid is not the type of fluid drained from the patient. Infectious fluid is a general term that can refer to any fluid that contains microorganisms that cause disease. It can be exudative or purulent, depending on the type and severity of the infection.