A 70-year-old man with lung cancer presents as triage level 2 with progressive dyspnea. Exam shows tracheal deviation away from a large unilateral

Question

A 70-year-old man with lung cancer presents as triage level 2 with progressive dyspnea. Exam shows tracheal deviation away from a large unilateral pleural effusion on x-ray, oxygen saturation is 89%, and BP is stable. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

Accepted Answer

Therapeutic thoracentesis with pleural fluid analysis

Answer

Immediate discharge with oral diuretics

Answer

Fibrinolysis for presumed pulmonary embolism

Answer

Noncontrast head CT before treating dyspnea

Answer

Needle decompression for tension pneumothorax

Malignant pleural effusion — ABEM Board MCQ

A 70-year-old man with lung cancer presents as triage level 2 with progressive dyspnea. Exam shows tracheal deviation away from a large unilateral pleural effusion on x-ray, oxygen saturation is 89%, and BP is stable. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?